Before the start of the Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, hundreds of people attended a special Mincha (afternoon prayers) organized by NIF grantee Tag Meir. Led by Rabbi Amichai Lau, the service included the regular prayers as well as a special prayer for the marchers. In attendance were the parents of Shira Banki, Uri and Mika.

Over the last few years, NIF and SHATIL have done pioneering work with religious organizations working to promote LGBTQ rights, including Bat Kol, Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah, and Tag Meir. Ne’amanei Torah Va’Avodah, for example, was the first to deal with the issue when it devoted an entire issue of its magazine to religious attitudes towards homosexuality.

Activists from each of these organizations spoke out against the incitement faced by the LGBTQ community from certain rabbis in the run-up to the parade and declared their opposition to Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat’s public refusal to take part in the march.

NIF is proud to support moderate religious voices in Israel – the success of this year’s Jerusalem Pride is a testament to their great efforts!