Thousands attend Haifa Pride Parade
Some 7,000-10,000 people march in the northern city to celebrate pride in the parade's 13th year in Haifa; 'This isn't like Tel Aviv, where it's a party, but people are starting to be more accepting here,' says one participant.
In addition to pride flags, marchers waved flags of political movements and youth movements, as well as banners with human rights messages.
The march began at the Sefer Square and made its way to Gan HaEm, where an event was held.
Mayor Yona Yahav boasted the fact it was the Pride Parade's 13th year in the city, and that the event grows bigger in numbers every year.
"This is a parade that fits Haifa, which includes a wide variety of opinions and ethnicities," Yahav said.
Michelle from Haifa had a hard time containing her excitement. "Every year, there are more and more people, this is a very special thing. Everyone loves each other, no one judges the other and it feels like home," she said.
"Compared to Tel Aviv, I feel there's less accepted here, but there's progress here too. People are starting to be more accepting. Our parade hasn't reached the point it did in Tel Aviv yet, where it's a party. We still feel we're being judged and discriminated against here. So it's more of a party in Tel Aviv, while here it's more political. But we're moving towards the party," she added.
Eran Sharon came from Tel Aviv to celebrate in Haifa. "Forget political views for a moment, I proudly support the Likud Party because they got us a representative in the Knesset after five years of activity, and that is a welcomed achievement," he said, referring to MK Amir Ohana.
"I came especially to support the Haifa residents and the gays in the north. We made a trip of it with friends. I think the parade in Haifa is far better because while Tel Aviv had 250,000 people, many of them were straights who support us. Here it's a more real parade, ours, and there's more of an emphasis here on our rights than the Tel Aviv parade," he added.
Hundreds of police officers and ushers were deployed to keep the order and peace. Several marchers felt unwell due to the heat and were treated by MDA paramedic.
