Tel Aviv Pride Parade Returns After Two-Year Hiatus

Tel Aviv is set to hold its Pride Parade today, Friday, with tens of thousands expected to join the first march in two years. After two consecutive cancellations because of the war and security conditions, the parade is returning to its original route from Gordon Beach to Charles Clore Park, with the city marking 28 years since the event was founded.

The march will run under the slogan, "For equal rights, unity and democracy." Along the route, several stages will host dozens of performers from within and outside the LGBTQ community, including Avihu Pinhasov, Aodi Schneider, Anna Zak, Anya Bukstein, Assulin, Gal de Paz, Dikla, Valerie Hamati, Tipex, Yuval Raphael, Lihi Toledano, Netta Barzilai, Ivri Lider, DJ Tomer Meizner, Eden Golan, Carolina, Ran Danker, Shahar Tavoch, Shira Zluf and Tamir Gal. The event will be hosted by stars of the musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," Lee Biran, Michael Ben David and Tal Kalai, who is known as drag performer Talula Bonet. The main stage opens at 12:00.

Police said more than 1,000 officers, in uniform and plainclothes, will be deployed, with additional forces joining them. Tel Aviv municipality urged the public to use public transportation because of major road closures along the beach and promenade area. Among the streets and roads expected to be shut from the morning are Rokach Boulevard, the Yarkon and Herbert Samuel streets, Kaufman, Goldman, Eilat, Eliplet, Salame, Mappo, Frishman, Trumpeldor, Ness Ziona, Geula, Nehemia and HaCarmelit.

The parade has been held in the city since 1998. It was canceled in 2024 because of the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war, when the city instead held a rally supporting hostage families, bereaved families and evacuees. Last year it was canceled only hours before it was due to start, after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion in Iran. The Pride weekend will end tomorrow, Saturday, with DJ Offer Nissim's regular party in Yarkon Park.