Six people have been stabbed at the Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, by an ultra-Orthodox Jew who had only just been released from prison over a similar attack ten years ago. Police say Yishai Shlissel was released from jail three weeks ago, after having served his sentence for the attack in 2005, which left three Pride marchers wounded. Police quickly wrestled the man to the ground, however one woman hurt in the attack, which happened in the early hours of this morning New Zealand time, is in a 'very serious' condition. Local media say Shlissel had posted a letter on the internet speaking of the "abomination" of a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem. He also told a radio station 10 days ago that "the fight continues against those who defile" God. There was a strong police presence at the march, but questions are now being raised about why he was not monitored. The march eventually continued, with hundreds of police officers sent in to ensure marchers’ safety. The Israeli National LGBT Task Force has condemned the attack, saying that "they feel shocked that serious violent incidents such as this still happen in Israel in 2015." Executive Director of LGBT group A Wider Bridge, Arthur Slepian, says it’s a tragedy that on a day that should be a moment of great pride in Israel, “We are once again mourning an act of senseless violence”. He says the organisation joins with Jewish and LGBT leaders in Israel and around the world in condemning the horrific act. “But we must do more than condemn the violence – we must also look to the ongoing inflammatory statements and rhetoric from some political and religious leaders that allow LGBT people to be seen as the other, as less than human, and to be demonised as the enemy,” he says. “There is nothing Jewish or moral in the message of baseless hatred that still emanates from some leaders who should know better, and that helps to sow the seeds of violence such as occurred today.” Slepian says the Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance has become an important symbol in the ongoing struggle for LGBT equality, not only in Israel, but around the world. “It is not among the largest of gay pride marches – its 5,000 participants is dwarfed in size by the 180,000 who walked in Tel Aviv Pride last month, and pales in comparison to the millions who line the streets for gay pride in cities like Madrid, Sao Paolo, and San Francisco. “The Jerusalem March has a significance far beyond its size. This march for gay pride, held annually since 2002, in the city that is Israel’s capital and the birthplace of the world’s three great religions, sends a message to the world about Israel, and about the possibilities for co-existence, diversity and pluralism in a city that so many different kinds of people treasure as their home. “And unlike most large gay pride celebrations, the Jerusalem March is known for the seriousness in its tone and decorum, fitting for the city in which it is held. The march ends with a rally on the lawn outside the Knesset, as Israel’s LGBT community demands to be seen as an important part of the fabric of Israeli society. It is a message that LGBT people exist everywhere in Israel, not only in Tel Aviv, and justice and equality needs to be pervasive throughout the country.” The group says the march would not be permitted in any other capital city in the Middle East. “We must ensure not only that the attacker is once again brought to justice, but that the freedom to march peacefully in Jerusalem is protected, and that this parade can continue to be a message to the world that LGBT people are a vibrant and respected part of Israeli society.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also issued a message of condemnation. "The state of Israel respects the private freedom of individuals which is a fundamental principle exercised in this country," he says. "We must ensure that every man and every woman can live in full security in any way that they choose.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 31st July 2015 - 9:08am