Tel Aviv holds first full Pride march since 2023

Rainbow flags, colorful floats and music from loudspeakers created a festive atmosphere in Tel Aviv during this year's Pride march. The event was the first held in its usual format since the October 7, 2023 attack and the wars that followed. Several participants said the parade had been canceled in the two prior years.

One nursery employee stated he had waited since childhood to attend and expressed happiness at finally participating.

Atmosphere and attendance The march featured dancers, drums and brightly colored floats along the city's seafront. Organizers and attendees described the mood as more subdued than in previous years, with noticeably fewer participants. Air raid sirens had sounded in the city less than a week earlier.

Some participants noted that people in northern and southern regions remain displaced or under threat.

Political messages and community concerns Signs and costumes in the crowd referenced current government ministers. Several attendees said they oppose the government's direction and policies. Participants also highlighted ongoing limits on LGBTQ rights, including the inability to marry, and reported increased violence against community members during the war period.

One tattoo artist said the word "homo" remains a slur used against children. For several hours, water pistols and bubble guns were the only visible items used in play along the route.