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Jewish LGBT+ charity pulls out of London Pride march over safety fears

KeshetUK said it had ‘listened very carefully’ to concerns of its members

June 24, 2024 10:50
The KeshetUK-led Jewish Pride contingent (credit: Gilad Visotsky)
The KeshetUK-led Jewish Pride contingent (credit: Gilad Visotsky)
2 min read

The Jewish community’s largest LGBT+ charity will not take part in the London Pride march this weekend after listening to members who “do not feel safe”, said its heads.

KeshetUK and West London Synagogue usually march in Pride London as part of a Jewish contingent and said they have “long valued” their place at the event.

But in an email sent jointly by KeshetUK and the Reform synagogue, organisers said: “Against the background of what has been a challenging and at times a complex year for many Jews in the UK, including LGBT+ Jews, some of our friends and congregants have said they do not feel safe marching in the Pride in London event as they have felt in previous years.”

The email added: “LGBT+ Jews need safe spaces for celebration, joy, and to feel pride in who we are. With this especially in mind, we have long valued our Jewish presence at Pride in London. We understand the importance of visibility.