In Pics: Pride march held in Jerusalem under heavy security

Thousands thronged to the streets of Jerusalem to take part in the Gay Pride march which was held under heavy security over fears of violence and a year after most of the globe's Pride events were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some pictures from the pride parade...

Thousands thronged to the streets of Jerusalem to take part in the Gay Pride march which was held under heavy security over fears of violence and a year after most of the globe's Pride events were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: AFP Photo

Some 3,000 police officers lined the route as marchers waved rainbow flags, placards and balloons, and several streets were blocked off and a helicopter circled over the city centre. Credit: AFP Photo

Ultra-right wing groups had called for a counter-demonstration and several people were arrested on suspicion of potential threats prior to the start of the march. Credit: AFP Photo

Jerusalem has held an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights since 2002, often against the backdrop of protests from the ultra-Orthodox Jews and far-right extremists. Credit: AFP Photo

On July 30, 2015, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed to death teenager Shira Banki during the parade and wounded six others, since when the annual event has been heavily protected. Credit: AFP Photo

The events began with a ceremony honouring Banki's memory. Credit: AFP Photo

Israeli police said they arrested a suspect in Jerusalem for

Police also said they had arrested two 17-year-old boys for hanging anti-Pride posters in downtown Jerusalem overnight. Credit: AFP Photo

The first Gay Pride march was held in 1970 in New York to mark the anniversary of the city's 1969 Stonewall Riots, or uprising, a landmark event foundational to the global gay rights movement. Jerusalem's march was made possible by Israel's swift vaccination campaign, the world's fastest. Credit: Reuters Photo