Jerusalem mayor lays flowers at site of Shira Banki’s murder

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat lay flowers at the site of the murder of teenager Shira Banki who was killed last year at the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade. Her killer, Yishai Schlissel, stabbed six others in that attack and was arrested again in prison yesterday for plotting with his brother to attack parade-goers this year.

Barkat, under fire for his decision not to attend this year’s parade so as not to offend ultra-Orthodox residents, says he understands the criticism and the pain it has caused.

“I chose another way to honor the memory of Shira Banki, may her memory be blessing, the sweet teenager who was murdered because of baseless hatred,” says Barkat.

“I wish with all my heart that on this day we will know to unite against any expression of incitement, [and] violence, and [in favor] of the right for the freedom of expression of every person and every community in the State of Israel regardless of religion, race or sexual orientation,” he adds.

The 15th annual Gay Pride Parade will take place in Jerusalem later this afternoon under heavy police protection.