The Celebrate Israel parade rightly collates diverse elements of the Jewish community. When coupled with Israel’s supporters among non-Jewish groups, the array of marchers and attendees delivers a vital pro-Israel message to the city and to the world.
However, parade organizers crossed a red line this year with the inclusion of Jewish Queer Youth, marching under their own banner “Signs Of The Times: Gays Marched, ‘No One Cared’” (June 8). In the eyes of Orthodox Judaism, this inclusion amounts to an endorsement of sinful activity. It is no different than, say, if a group called Adulterers for Israel were permitted to march, a notion that is self-evidently ludicrous.
When Orthodox groups participate in an event that has on its official roster a group such as Jewish Queer Youth, they are implicitly condoning homosexual conduct. I can’t imagine that any Orthodox group would wish to be seen as doing so, and I cannot imagine attending the parade in future years unless this urgent matter is addressed.
Far Rockaway, Queens
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
