After two years of cancellations and strict restrictions due to armed conflicts, the coastal boulevard of Tel Aviv was once again flooded with color, music, and messages of equality.
A massive outdoor party took over the streets of Tel Aviv for the city’s 28th Pride in the city, which is considered the largest event of the LGBTQI+ community in the Middle East. Thousands of activists, residents, and foreign tourists braved the intense summer heat, dancing alongside the impressive floats that set off from Gordon Beach bound for Charles Clore Park.
This year’s event had a strong political tone and clear messages, with participants demanding visibility under the slogan “Vote with your feet.” Beyond the masks satirizing conservative Israeli politicians, everyone’s attention was drawn to a cardboard cutout of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was depicted wearing makeup and a rainbow-colored turban.
It was the first parade without security restrictions since 2023, as the 2024 and 2025 events had been canceled due to the conflicts with Hamas and Iran.
More than 1,000 police officers secured the event, while authorities announced that they had thwarted an attempted attack against the community, arresting a 37-year-old suspect in Haifa shortly before the event began.
