Gay pride parade draws thousands

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 10 (UPI) -- The annual gay pride parade in Tel Aviv drew thousands Friday enjoying musical and other performances on the streets.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and some members of Israel's parliament were scheduled to speak later in the day, Haaretz reported.

Mike Hamel, national chairman of the gay and lesbian group, said the parade was organized with the "close cooperation" of the Tel Aviv municipality.

"It's great to see it, and great that it's one of the few places in the world that has the support of a municipal body, a government body," he told Israel Radio.

He said nearly 100,000 members and supporters of the gay community were expected to join the rest of the festivities.