Thousands marched under tight security Thursday to the Knesset’s gates as part of Jerusalem’s annual LGBTQ Pride March, whose route this year was altered to end at the parliament building.

Participants decked out in gay and transgender pride flags gathered on the grassy expanse of Sacher Park before marching to Wohl Rose Garden, which overlooks the Knesset.

In previous years, the march has set out from Liberty Bell Park, passing Paris Square, the Jerusalem Great Synagogue and the Jewish Agency building before ending at Independence Park.

This time the route was altered to conclude outside the Knesset. Many marchers were pleased with the change, seeing it as a way to vent opposition against the government in power since late 2022, which includes a number of lawmakers allied with homophobic figures.

“I love the old route, but times are different and we need to show that we’re not going to be erased, like the government’s been trying to do for four years now. There’s no getting rid of us,” said Ash Segal, a 21-year-old from Modiin, attending the march for their fourth year.

Jerusalem, a city with a strong conservative bent, boasts a small yet mobilized liberal faction that comprises the bulk of attendees at the capital’s Pride March, with the event tending to take on a slightly more serious political tone than in other cities.

This year, as participants set out to the Knesset with elections on the horizon, anti-government slogans and speeches featured more prominently.

Marchers calling to replace the current right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waved ballot boxes in the air while chanting “democracy” to the beat of drums.

“Tel Aviv pride feels like a party, it’s disconnected from the rest of the country. There’s scarcely anyone religious, I’m very happy to........

© The Times of Israel