Gay Pride in the Holy City?!

Let's begin with the Biblical understanding that humankind was created in the image of God.

Let us add the Rabbinic claim that the whole Torah exists for the sake of peace (Gittin).

Let us be reminded of Reb Nachman's prayer:

Let there be a truly great peace between every person and their fellow... and let there be no discord between people even in their hearts.

In nearly every city in the free world, we find an annual Gay pride parade. Sadly, there are repressive regimes that would not tolerate such a thing. But Israel is a democracy that allows for, in theory if not always in practice, free expression by its residents.This week, Jerusalem will host its annual Gay Pride event.

For many years the Conservative/Masorti Movement wrestled with the question of Gay ordination and with the idea of religious commitment ceremonies for members of the Gay and Lesbian communities. Even today, there are a variety of views - some more traditional and conservative and others more progressive. Yet, there are "seventy faces to the Torah," which allows for mutual respect. We can live with varying understandings of halacha [Jewish Law]. As with many matters in Jewish law, rabbis will differ on the  flexibility and exact meaning of words which at times may seem to be explicit in their meaning.

But this blog is not a legal excursive on Jewish Law and homosexuality. I wish to address the Pride event itself.

Participants in a previous gay pride vigil
in Jerusalem's Liberty Bell park.
PHOTO: Ariel Jerozolimski

All too often I have heard it said, "Anywhere but Jerusalem, the Holy city." This city which is so divided, succeeded in the past in bringing together Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders in opposition to Pride. Even the Vatican has urged a ban on Pride events in Jerusalem.

There are comparisons aplenty to a celebration of sodomy, pedophilia, and pornography.

But shall we look at the facts? The sponsors of this event, the Jerusalem Open House, have gone out of their way to work with the police and, quietly, with willing leaders of the religious communities, to be sensitive to the special nature of the city of Jerusalem. The route is short - only a few blocks. It not only avoids any "religious" neighborhoods, it is confined to what is, more or less, a non-residential area and a park. Those with fears of a lack of modesty would have to make an effort to get a glimpse of the action on the parade route. And many do so.

Unlike the event in Tel Aviv (which is much more in keeping with the nature of that city), the organizers in Jerusalem have urged participants to behave in keeping with consideration of the varied religious populations in Israel's capital. Nonetheless, the media will focus on the exceptional marchers who revel in a more ostentatious presentation.

Over the years the only violence that has occurred was at the hands of the Haredi community. Thus, rowdy demonstrations, the burning of tires and trash containers, and outlandish public posters were a part of the landscape. There was even an attempt to murder marchers a few years ago.

This year much of that has been avoided. The Jerusalem Open House has kept a low profile. Members of the Haredi community have figured out that the bawdy behavior raises questions in the minds of their youth that they would rather avoid.

The Masorti Movement has never been an official sponsor of the Pride event although Masorti rabbis and members have always participated. But with regard to the right of the Gay community to hold the event, a Masorti position was officially stated, by its head, some years back: "What we are doing is protecting the community's right to hold this event in the face of so much hatred. We're doing this in the name of free speech and tolerance."

Jerusalem witnessed Ulra-Orthodox violence when those with other traditions wished to pray at the Kotel (Western Wall) in keeping with their own customs.

This month, Jerusalem witnessed Ultra-Orthodox violence when a municipal parking lot was opened in a non-residential spot. Now this is just silly. 

As an observant Jew, I would hope that Jews would refrain from driving on Shabbat. But the reality is otherwise. Does rioting against a parking lot really serve anyone's interests?

Jerusalem is often called the City of Peace. It is holy to people of many faiths. It does not belong to any one religion nor to any one denomination.

Pride is about human rights. Freedom of assembly is a basic right in any democracy. Jerusalem residents must respect pluralism and diversity whatever their halachic orientation.

Pride, like it or not, a celebration of diversity, tolerance and, hopefully, human respect. These too are values held dear by Jewish tradition.