'You won't see any underwear'
Jerusalem gay pride parade organizers pledge to keep event dignified; Conservative, Reform rabbis offer their support
"There never was and never will be underwear (displayed) at the pride parade in Jerusalem," said Noa Sattath, who heads the Jerusalem Open House (JOH) gay group, following a surprising announcement by the Conservative and Reforms movements, who said they endorse the event.
The JOH hosted a press conference that brought together rabbis from different streams of Judaism who support the parade, scheduled for August.
Earlier, orthodox Jews and evangelical Christians joined forces in a bid to cancel the parade for fear it would undermine the capital's holy atmosphere.
However, Sattath said that this year's gay parade will be different from previous ones in Israel and abroad.
"Our message is not 'come to a party,' but rather 'come and express your solidarity with Jerusalem'," she said.
‘Parade consistent with Jewish values’
Among those present at Tuesday's press conference
was Conservative Movement President Rabbi Ehud Bandel.
"Supporting the parade is an integral part of the values of respect, tolerance and love of humanity, upon which the Torah is premised," he said.
However, Bandel did ask organizers to demonstrate sensitivity to Jerusalem's unique and sacred character and hold the parade in a manner.
Reform rabbis, such as Hebrew Union College representative Naama Kelman-Ezrachi, also voiced their support for the event.
