Parades and Protests

There has been so much said about the gay pride parade in Jerusalem that I'm not sure there is really anything for me to add. Even the speech on Shabbos at my shul was about it. I'll be honest - I have very mixed feelings (what's new?) about the thought of a gay pride parade in Jerusalem, a city where the most holy site I know resides. Not because I think that gay people don't belong in a holy city - they have every right to be there, but because I have seen lots of pictures of these parades and the images they invoke are often less than holy. It's totally about the actions that are performed than the movement behind the parade that bothers me.

That being said, the actions that are being performed in protest of the parade also trouble me incredibly. The chillul Hashem (desecration of God's name) being engaged in is disgusting, especially coming from those who claim religious piety and are setting fires, destroying and using violence on their holy city in defiance. For people who call themselves religious, and who I suppose I should feel some kinship to, I'm honestly embarrassed. The news accounts of these protests alone are enough to make me want to turn my back on "Orthodox Jews." (Note that I said Orthodox Jews, not Judaism, big difference.)

I know it's not all Orthodox Jews who are joining in these despicable efforts. But it truly saddens me to see just how low supposedly wholesome, religious people will act.

Do I think the gay pride parade should be held in Jerusalem? I honestly have mixed feelings. Robbie says very well why it should be. Dreaming of Moshiach posts a letter from rabbis about why the parade should be protested.

But I think David at Treppenwitz puts it the most eloquently. Please read.

It's the actions that are speaking so loudly right now.