The organization that runs the LGBTQ+ pride parade in Rome, known as Roma Pride, has banned the only Jewish LGBTQ+ group in Italy from participating in its annual march. It stated that the group Keshet Italia did not issue a clear condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide, prompting immediate denunciation from Jewish organizations.

In a statement released after a meeting with representatives of Keshet Italia and Keshet Europe, Roma Pride said the “conditions” were not met for the two groups to take part in the event scheduled for June 20, using a large parade float with a stage and speakers.

The organizers said, “The Pride march is an open and free demonstration,” adding that anyone sharing the founding values of the movement could join the march. However, they said participating with a large float with a stage and speakers meant signing onto Roma Pride’s political program.

The statement read, “Our position on the ongoing genocide in Gaza by the State of Israel is clear.”

Roma Pride said it distinguishes between the Israeli government and Jews, as well as Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals, and would never hold the latter group responsible for what it described as war crimes committed by a “genocidal government.”

However, Roma Pride said Keshet Italia bore responsibility for failing to distance itself from the “ongoing genocide in Gaza” and for using what Roma Pride organizers described as unacceptable verbal discrimination in a recent statement.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” against Palestinians in the war in the Gaza Strip, which began after a surprise attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly denied these accusations.

Keshet Italia protested its exclusion, saying, “Roma Pride has dropped the mask… In an official statement, it admitted it excluded us because we did not pass its ‘political test.'”

The European Jewish Congress also criticized the move, saying the decision risks setting conditions such as accepting certain ideas and formulations for the participation of Jewish associations.

It added, “No one should be subjected to an ideological test in order to participate in a movement based on inclusion, dignity, and equal rights.”

The events included in LGBTQ+ pride marches are a celebration that promotes visibility, advocates for acceptance, and demands equality.

But Roma Pride said its political platform is not merely an “open buffet” from which participants can pick and choose what they like.

Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the world’s most historically significant cities, famously known as the “Eternal City.” Its history spans over 2,500 years, beginning as a small settlement that grew into the powerful Roman Empire, which shaped Western civilization through law, governance, and culture. Today, Rome is a vibrant cultural site, home to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City, drawing millions of visitors to explore its ancient ruins and Renaissance art.

Roma Pride

Roma Pride is an annual event that celebrates Romani culture, identity, and LGBTQ+ visibility within the Roma community. It emerged in the early 2000s as a response to the marginalization and discrimination faced by Romani people, particularly those who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community. The event highlights the intersection of ethnic and sexual identity, aiming to promote acceptance and fight against both homophobia and anti-Roma prejudice.

Keshet Italia

Keshet Italia is the Italian branch of Keshet International,

Rome

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the most historically significant cities in the world, having been the center of the ancient Roman Empire for centuries. Its rich history spans over 2,500 years, from its legendary founding in 753 BCE to its role as the heart of the Renaissance and the seat of the Catholic Church. Today, Rome is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City, which together showcase its enduring cultural and historical legacy.

Roma Pride

Roma Pride is an annual LGBTQ+ pride event held in Rome, Italy, typically taking place in June to celebrate and advocate for the rights of the queer community. Its history dates back to the early 2000s, when the first official parade was organized, growing from a small protest into a major cultural and political demonstration. The event now draws tens of thousands of participants, featuring a colorful parade through the city’s historic streets, and serves as a powerful symbol of visibility and equality in a country with strong Catholic traditions.

Keshet Italia

Keshet Italia is the Italian branch of Keshet International, a global production and distribution company known for creating and distributing popular television formats and content. It was established to bring successful Israeli and international TV shows to the Italian market, while also developing local adaptations and original Italian programming. Through its work, Keshet Italia has played a key role in bridging cultural entertainment between Israel and Italy.

Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip is a narrow territory along the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt, with a history dating back thousands of years to ancient Philistine and Canaanite settlements. In modern times, it came under Egyptian control after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, was occupied by Israel in 1967, and later became a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Oslo Accords. Since 2007, it has been governed by Hamas, enduring blockades and repeated cycles of violence, which have heavily impacted its population and infrastructure.

Israel

Israel is a country in the Middle East with a deeply significant history as the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity, and a sacred land in Islam. Modern Israel was established in 1948, leading to ongoing regional conflicts, but it is also home to ancient sites like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv’s vibrant culture, and the Dead Sea. Its history spans thousands of years, from biblical kingdoms to Ottoman and British rule, shaping its complex identity today.

A Jewish group was banned from the Rome LGBT pride march by an organization due to the Gaza conflict.

In a statement released after a meeting with representatives of Keshet Italia and Keshet Europe, Roma Pride said the “conditions” were not met for the two groups to take part in the event scheduled for June 20, using a large parade float with a stage and speakers.

The organizers said, “The Pride march is an open and free demonstration,” adding that anyone sharing the founding values of the movement could join the march. However, they said participating with a large float with a stage and speakers meant signing onto Roma Pride’s political program.

The statement read, “Our position on the ongoing genocide in Gaza by the State of Israel is clear.”

Roma Pride said it distinguishes between the Israeli government and Jews, as well as Jewish LGBTQ+ individuals, and would never hold the latter group responsible for what it described as war crimes committed by a “genocidal government.”

However, Roma Pride said Keshet Italia bore responsibility for failing to distance itself from the “ongoing genocide in Gaza” and for using what Roma Pride organizers described as unacceptable verbal discrimination in a recent statement.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing “acts of genocide” against Palestinians in the war in the Gaza Strip, which began after a surprise attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly denied these accusations.

Keshet Italia protested its exclusion, saying, “Roma Pride has dropped the mask… In an official statement, it admitted it excluded us because we did not pass its ‘political test.'”

The European Jewish Congress also criticized the move, saying the decision risks setting conditions such as accepting certain ideas and formulations for the participation of Jewish associations.

It added, “No one should be subjected to an ideological test in order to participate in a movement based on inclusion, dignity, and equal rights.”

The events included in LGBTQ+ pride marches are a celebration that promotes visibility, advocates for acceptance, and demands equality.

But Roma Pride said its political platform is not merely an “open buffet” from which participants can pick and choose what they like.

Rome

Roma Pride

Keshet Italia

Rome

Roma Pride

Keshet Italia

Gaza Strip

Israel

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