Jerusalem Prides Itself on Calm

Despite a convoy of disruptive donkeys and an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man throwing bags of foul-smelling liquid at marchers, a gay pride celebration in Jerusalem largely looks like the many to have come before it internationally.

While 3,000 people participated this year, about 1,000 police were on hand keeping order. There was reason to worry, since ultra-Orthodox Jews had stabbed three participants in 2005, the AFP recalls in its coverage of the bag-throwing man.

Away from the pride celebration, a group of right-wing protesters attempted to interrupt the festivities with a donkey convoy (it was hatefully symbolic) but were stopped by police outside the city limits. With all that could have gone wrong, these pictures of serene celebrants kissing and mingling are perhaps truly something to take pride in. -- Lucas Grindley