PKI Community Leads the Way at the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March

The 24th Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March was a powerful and emotional experience for Project Kesher Israel’s Russian- and Ukrainian- speaking LGBTQ+ community, including immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from Russia, Ukraine, and across the former Soviet Union. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to publicly celebrate their identities in an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and belonging.

In partnership with the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance, PKI participants helped lead the march, carrying the organization’s banner at the front of the parade. Along the way, they connected with community leaders, allies, and fellow marchers, including Gilad Kariv, who expressed his support for their journeys and resilience.

For many, the day was about more than visibility– it was a celebration of freedom, community, and the possibility of building a life without fear. As one participant reflected, “It’s not every day that you truly understand what it means to be a free people in our own country.”