Opposition leader Yair Lapid spoke at the opening of the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March, stating that "the community needs a government that knows every citizen in the state can love." He added, "Avi Maoz, Smotrich and Ben Gvir won't tell us who to love. The ultra-Orthodox and those protesting against us won't tell us who to love. We love the hostages, the soldiers and everyone here." Lapid greeted the family of Shira Banki, who was murdered at the capital's parade a decade ago, and added: "We will continue to support the community. We are moving in the right direction."