Jerusalem Pride Postponed

Jerusalem, May 14, 2005 - Following the Israeli Prime Minister’s decision to postpone the launch date of the Gaza pullout to August 16, the Jerusalem Open House (JOH) today announced that the Jerusalem WorldPride events have been rescheduled, and will take place on August 6-12, 2006.

JOH Chairperson Noa Sattath explained: “Tolerance, pluralism and equality are WorldPride’s guiding principles,” explained Sattath. “Holding WorldPride during the Gaza pullout would do injustice to those values. We have taken this decision out of consideration to the most difficult political climate expected in Israel this August. As a community we are deeply engaged in the complex reality surrounding us.”

WorldPride was originally set for August 18-28, 2005, a time that is now poised to coincide with the new dates just announced for the implementation of the plan known as Israel’s disengagement from Gaza.

As the WorldPride events planned to take place in Jerusalem this summer have now been rescheduled, the JOH has also announced that the annual, local Jerusalem Pride will take place this year on June 30.

“Pride in Jerusalem has already become a symbol for the courage and determination of Jerusalem’s diverse LGBT community,” said Hagai El-Ad, JOH Executive Director. “This June, we will show for the fourth consecutive year in Jerusalem that love has no borders.”

Jerusalem Open House (JOH) is one of the Middle East’s leading LGBT service and advocacy organizations. It is a catalyst for encouraging pluralism and respect of human rights among all Jerusalem residents, helping to create a more tolerant society. Licensed by InterPride - The International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Pride Coordinators - WorldPride in Jerusalem will be the second such event, following Rome WorldPride 2000. In a statement issued by InterPride, the organization expressed its understanding of the decision made by the JOH. "We are in full support of the JOH in their decision to postpone World Pride” reads a statement issued by InterPride. “ …InterPride will extend our licensing agreement to reflect the new date of World Pride on August 2006"

Jerusalem WorldPride will bring a new focus to an ancient city through a unique international opportunity to make a global statement for peace, tolerance, freedom, and love.