Israel marks Orlando massacre at first Pride embassy event

WASHINGTON — Israel’s embassy in Washington had been planning its first-ever Pride reception celebrating the gay and lesbian community, held on Monday evening, for several months. It had not planned to begin the event with a moment of silence.

 

Marking the murder of 49 people at a gay club in Orlando, Florida last week, Israel’s US ambassador Ron Dermer— himself a Miami native— told the gathering that he wanted to offer “a simple message.”

 

“You are not alone. Israel stands with you,” Dermer said. “Attacks on the LGBT community are attacks on all of us.”

 

Read More: Israel marks Orlando massacre at first Pride embassy event – Diaspora – Jerusalem Post