RantCrush Top 5: June 9, 2017

Today was the 19th annual Pride parade in Tel Aviv, and hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the streets, including thousands of tourists. The security was heavy, with hundreds of police officers present and a ban on any sharp objects, fireworks, animals, or bicycles. Tel Aviv is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the Middle East. But in 2015, an ultra-orthodox Jewish man stabbed six people during the Pride parade–and a 16-year-old girl died. He had launched a similar attack in 2005, and spent years in prison.

This year, some people also protested against Israeli occupation of Palestine and blocked off the parade. The effort was organized by the Israeli NGO Peace Now. “The time has come to prove to the Israelis, the Palestinians and the entire world that an important segment of the Israeli population is opposed to occupation and wants a two-state solution,” said organizer Avi Buskila.

Israeli queer activists block Tel Aviv Pride Parade with sign reading: “No pride in occupation” #Pride2017 #TelAviv

Pics by @YaelMarom pic.twitter.com/ALosrXfgA0

— Edo Konrad (@edokonrad) June 9, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.