'The best party': Tel Aviv Pride Parade kicks off with Israelis and foreigners

Thousands of Israelis and tourists gather on Tel Aviv’s beachfront promenade, as the city’s annual Pride Parade begins.

Feathers, leather, glitter and rainbows adorn the crowd, which is peppered with German-, English- and Spanish-speakers, alongside the locals.

“We love Tel Aviv, it’s the best party,” says Paul, a Czech in his 40s who has thrice traveled for the annual Pride Parade with his partner, George.

Czech nationals George and Paul attend the Tel Aviv Pride Parade on June 8, 2023. (Carrie Keller-Lynn/Times of Israel)

Despite the celebration, the presence of police and the necessity to pass a security check to enter the cordoned-off parade area are reminders of Israel’s constant terror threats, as well as of potential violence against the community. A man was arrested earlier today with weapons near the Parade route.

“Well, that doesn’t exist in the US,” says a shirtless American man, passing through the checkpoint.