Jerusalem celebrates 10th gay pride event

JERUSALEM, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 people gathered in the streets of Jerusalem for the 10th annual gay pride parade, officials said.

The city was covered in rainbow colors Thursday for the annual pride event, Ynetnews.com reported.

Jerusalem Open House Executive Director Elionr Sidi said the parade "was an opportunity to reflect on all the changes that Jerusalem has undergone in the past decade."

"We no longer see incidents like in 2005 and 2006 of incitement, stabbing and riots against the participants. Despite these changes, there is still a lot to be done for the members of the proud community," she added.

Adam Rousso, 26, who was stabbed at the 2005 pride parade said he has attended the event every year since the incident.

"We were expected to stop being proud of who we are. I understand this request and can promise that it will happen the day that they stop expecting us to be ashamed of who we are. I feel that this day is approaching."

Ultra-Orthodox Haredi groups, who are adamantly against the gay pride parade, planned a protest against the event. There were no reports of clashes.