Despite concerns about the cancellation of the parade and the difficulties with the municipality, the organizers announced the march next Thursday as planned, and at the end of it a community happening
Posted on: 7/13/22 7:20 AM
There is great excitement ahead of the fifth Pride Parade in Rehovot, which will take place tomorrow (Thursday). This year, too, the marchers will gather in the lawn on the south side of the Rehovot train. The walk along Herzl will reach the intersection of Herzl and Eisenberg near the Bar Avenue, where the end compound will be. Due to budgetary difficulties, the organizers announced that unlike last year, there will not be a big stage at the end of the parade. This is how Mia Shemesh, one of the organizers of the parade and the Queer in the City company, explained the decision:
“The stage and performances, as they were last year, are an opportunity for members and members of the community and its supporters to celebrate and unite. This is a record moment with live performances, stalls, culture and reunion. It was hard to decide to give up the stage, but this year we decided to keep traditions “Our community and the essence and we will walk the streets of the city. We very much hope to see next year a big stage and performances as we saw last year.”
The street parade has become a tradition in the last five years, producing a meaningful meeting and bringing together a wide range of people from the streets and the surrounding area. This is a lively and festive cultural event in the city with information booths and activities for young people and families. According to Tal Michalevsky, she is also one of the organizers of the parade and the Queer in the City company: “The Pride Parade is a cornerstone in the history and struggle of the LGBT people. The parade gives members and members of the proud community on the streets, and all supporters and supporters of the community, the opportunity to meet and say as one voice: We all have a place in the streets, we all belong, and we are all together in a struggle. The way we went this year in organizing the parade reminded us how broad, strong and loving our community is. There are many residents in and around the city for whom walking the streets of the city is a strengthening act that gives hope and a sense of community. “
Parade program:
17:00 Gathering in the southern plaza of the train
18:00 Departure for a march on Herzl heading south
19:00 Gathering in Herzl Eisenberg corner (taxi station)
20:30 After Party
In preparation for the parade, a number of initiatives were held this year to address companies and community members with disabilities, including Operation Pride to Home by the Queer City community. The initiative consists of meetings in the pavilion of community members who cannot come and celebrate the parade. In addition, for the first time the parade will be accessible in new ways to other community members: You can sign up now to get help for those who have difficulty standing in queues or hearing loud noises – Link to register.
After the happening, this year too there will be an after-queer and uplifting party near the end point of the event, in collaboration with the “Fountain” pub and the “La Morse” pub. The party, as well as the parade, is produced by members of the Queer in the City community in Rehovot, who are engaged in proud work and the creation of a gay community in the city throughout the year. To stay up to date on the various events you can go toQueer in the City Facebook Or to Instagram @herenqueeril or log in toSummer activity page.
Rotem Barak, a member of Queer in the City and one of the organizers of the parade, thanked a number of members and council members who worked to hold the parade this year: ” For the future. “
Acting Deputy Mayor Zohar Blum: “The Pride Parade is an important and significant event in the city, and I am proud that it has become an urban tradition. I helped as best I could to hold the parade, , And promises to help along the way in whatever is required. “
Councilman Dr. Assaf al-Bar: “The city of Rehovot has a long way to go to become a liberal and pluralistic city. We have come a long way, littered with struggles, and we will continue to walk it. Fortunately we have strong forces in the proud community that continue and continue to struggle and create, create culture, create community, create awareness. We are committed to continuing this work throughout our lives and are committed to continuing the struggle for the image of the city. “
Deputy Mayor Yaniv Markovich said: “I am happy that this year too we are able to hold a parade thanks to the participation of many activists from the proud community in the city.
Councilwoman Roni Baum said: “The Pride Parades are meant to remind you that the Pride Community’s campaign for security, recognition and equality is not over yet. Align power to the organizers and I invite all residents of the city to attend the parade.”
Councilor Shaul Tzaghon said: “Freedom is never given by the good will of the oppressor, he must be sued by the oppressed” The words of Dr. Martin Luther King for me are the key to any struggle for change and everything must be done so that everyone has the right to liberty, the right to live in security And the freedom to demonstrate and strike, the right to family, the right to love, because love is the greatest gift we can give and receive. “
Council member Itel on the Alsheikh axis: “Come on Thursday to march in the Pride Parade for Freedom, Equality and Liberalism. Will come to us too. “Participating in the parade is a call for recognition of the various communities in the cities and in general, and the right of each and every one of us to be who he or she is and who he or she wants to be.”
Councilman Shmuel Bar-Danazan: “We, the city of Rehovot, are a warm home for all who live in it and those who come through its gates.We are happy to promote tolerance, acceptance and equality. As I have done in the past on the issue of social security for the LGBT people, I will continue to promote important needs for all the residents. “