Haifa to Hold Pride Rally in Carmel Center Tomorrow Under Heavy Police Security

Haifa will hold its annual city Pride rally tomorrow, Thursday, at 5:00 p.m. in Gan HaEm in the Carmel Center, with police deploying a large security presence along main roads in the area. The rally is the centerpiece of the city’s Pride Month, which has included more than 50 different events.

This year, Haifa Municipality decided not to stage a parade through the Carmel streets. Some members of the local LGBTQ community nevertheless called on friends to march toward the celebrations, but police said they would not allow marchers to descend onto nearby roads.

The city said it held a public consultation with LGBTQ representatives and presented options within the existing budget. According to the municipality, community representatives chose the format that replaces a march with a large event in Gan HaEm and a significant expansion of Pride initiatives and events across the city.

The rally, produced by the city’s Education, Culture and Sports Administration, will feature main-stage performances by Shahar Tavuch and Neta Barzilai, along with activities, shows and content for varied audiences, including senior citizens. Mayor Yona Yahav said, "Haifa is a city of freedom, pluralism and acceptance of others," adding that the event is a chance to celebrate the city’s diversity and send "a clear message of equality, respect and tolerance" and invited residents from Haifa and the region to attend.