Bomb linked to Jerusalem Pride
An explosive device detonated near Jerusalem earlier today may have been the work of ultra-Orthodox Jews protesting against a gay event to be held in the city.
The small pipe bomb exploded near the West Bank separation fence.
One person suffered a minor leg injury and was taken to a hospital in Jerusalem.
Security forces investigating the scene are reporting the discovery of leaflets that call for the cancellation of the upcoming gay pride march, set to be held in Jerusalem in late June by Jerusalem Open House.
The leaflets condemn last year’s WorldPride march in Jerusalem and advocate against holding future marches in the capital.
Jerusalem Police are pursuing the case but are unclear as to what connection the location, a vineyard owned by the Beit Jamal monastery.
Last month the Jerusalem Open House filed an official request with the Jerusalem Police seeking authorisation to hold a pride march in the capital on June 21.
Last year’s event was postponed for several months amid security concerns and ultra-Orthodox threats of violence.
Noa Sattah, Executive Director, Jerusalem Open House:
“Jerusalem Open House could not more strongly condemn this act of violence and hatred directed at us.
“This violent act is just one example of the religious bigotry, prejudice and
violence lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the world are confronted with every day.
“Morally bankrupt religious bigotry will never deter us from our struggle for freedom
of expression and full and equal civil and religious rights. We urge the Jerusalem police to find the perpetrators of this despicable action and bring them to justice.
We hope for a full and speedy recovery of the individual who was in injured in the attack.”
