Shira Banki, who was murdered during the 2015 parade
Heavy security as Jerusalem prepares for annual Pride Parade
Police will station hundreds of security personnel along the route where Shira Banki was murdered two years ago. Entry and exit will only be permitted at designated locations.
Two years following the murder of Shira Banki at the 2015 pride parade, hundreds of police, Border Police, auxiliary forces and volunteers will be deployed across the Jerusalem Pride Parade's planned route, gathering places and adjacent streets Thursday afternoon.
The event is set to attract thousands of participants.
Police forces will frisk and pat-down all of the parade's participants. Weapons of any kind will be banned from the premises, and police has said both uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be stationed all across the parade's route.
Revelers at the 2016 Jerusalem pride parade (Photo: AFP)
Paraders will gather at Liberty Bell Park and start marching at 6pm towards Plumer Square, making their way to Keren Hayesod St., King George St., Hillel St. and Menashe Ben Israel St., ending at Independence Park.
Entry to the route will only be permitted through the gathering areas in Liberty Bell Park and Paris Square.
Starting 4pm, police will close off all of the streets on the route and the streets leading to them to vehicular traffic. Closed streets include Agron, Hillel and King George from Keren Hayesod to Be'eri St.
Disabled parking will be available near Liberty Bell Park with access from Beit Lehem Road.
"Due to expected congestion, drivers are requested to have patience, follow officers' instructions and be attentive to relevant reports in the media," a police spokesperson said.
