'This is not the time to celebrate': Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai cancels Pride Parade

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai has announced that the city will not host its traditional Pride Parade this year, which typically symbolizes support for the LGBT+ community's fight for their rights.

Huldai announced this on his X account, stating that amidst the ongoing conflict and with 132 Israeli hostages still in the hands of terrorists, "this is not the time to celebrate."

The mayor emphasized that instead of the Pride Parade, the city will hold a rally representing pride, hope, and freedom. He noted that this decision was made in consultation with representatives of LGBT+ organizations.

"132 sons and daughters of Israel are still being held in Gaza, and the grief grows every day. We are experiencing one of the most challenging periods in the history of the State of Israel," said Ron Huldai.

"Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the home of the gay community, it always has been and always will be. Out of our commitment to the community, we have decided to allocate a portion of the Pride Parade budget this year to support activities at the Pride Center in Tel Aviv," Huldai continued, emphasizing, "We feel and share the pain of the entire country, and we will not cease fighting for equality and freedom for all."

He concluded his statement by saying, "See you at the Pride Parade in June 2025."