Over 1,000 people gathered in London on Saturday to celebrate Jewish LGBT+ Pride in a defiant event which culminated in a march through Soho.

The wider public joined LGBT+ Jews and their allies in dancing through the street, after a celebration at Miznon restaurant in Soho.

One of the organisers, Max, who asked the JC not to use his surname, said: “We gave the community a safe space to celebrate both of their identities. We were also touched by how many straight allies came down to show their support.” 

Jewish Pride flags flew over the crowd, and stickers and signs proudly declared “No Pride In Anti-Semitism” and “Queers Against Anti-Semitism”.

With Kylie blaring alongside Shalom Alechem, the procession danced through Soho, with a pair of newlyweds joining to dance the hora.

The event was organised after Jewish groups pulled out of London Pride, as members expressed they would not feel safe there.

The largest Jewish LGBT+ charity, KeshetUK, said that although they had “long valued” their place at the event, “some of our friends and congregants have said they do not feel as safe marching in the Pride in London event as they have felt in previous years”. They added: “LGBT+ Jews need safe spaces for celebration, joy and to feel pride in who we are”.

According to Max’s co-organiser, David, they certainly found that space on Sunday. “Having no Jewish representation at Pride in London would have let the antisemites win; and we refuse to cede ground to those that hate us,” he said.

Hundreds of Jews usually attend London Pride each year, but since October 7, groups like Queers for Palestine have left some Jews feeling intimidated. Last month, Pride in London put out a statement on social media, accusing Israel of committing “genocide”.

David and Max’s alternative Jewish Pride aimed to help LGBT+ Jews reclaim their place at an event from which they felt excluded. “At Pride, the community refused to be silent and chose to stand proud,” said the organisers.