Thousands of gay, lesbian, and transgender people from around the world were expected in the Holy City next August for the Pride parade.
Israeli security services reported to the Jerusalem Open House (www.gay.org.il/joh), the center of the city's gay and lesbian community, that security would be problematic given the simultaneous displacement of settlers from Gaza.
JOH President Noa Sattah said it would be inappropriate to host the parade "while our society is going through such a difficult time" and that, therefore, the planned pride parade will be postponed for 12 months, until August 2006. Noa also denied that safety was a primary factor.
Jerusalem Pride will bring together Israelis, Palestinians, and people from around the world to deliver a message desired across the Middle East and beyond: human rights transcend ethical and cultural barriers, and these differences must be respected peacefully. Pride will bring thousands of people to Jerusalem to confront preconceptions with reality, prejudice with opportunities for understanding, in a way that will capture the attention of the entire world.
We support the Jerusalem Open House's decision to postpone the event and wish you a warm leshanah habaa 'irushalaym habenuya ('next year in Jerusalem!)
Etz CaHol Italian Jewish GLBT Group
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR FRIENDS OF ETZ CAHOL
Sunday, June 12: Shavuot
Let's celebrate together one of the three pilgrimage festivals. Milk (Halav) and dairy products will delight the palate, commemorating the giving of the Torah, and especially the fruits (bikkurim) of the first harvest. The Seder is scheduled for 12:00 noon in Padua.
Sunday, July 3
Visit the Jewish cemetery in Conegliano (TV). This is the first of many planned tours to explore the Jewish Veneto region, from the large and well-known communities to the smaller ones that have left little trace. The cemetery is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Meeting point is in Padua or directly on site. Reservations are required by June 30th.
MONDAY, AUGUST 1
Visit Jewish Venice. We'll visit the synagogues, the Jewish Museum, and the large, ancient Lido cemetery. Costs, times, and specific activities to be determined.
Sunday, August 21
Tu be Av. A pleasant lunch in the style of Etz CaHol for Valentine's Day and the grape harvest season. A very informal seder is scheduled for 12:00 in Padua.