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| - Tens of thousands were expected to join the first Tel Aviv pride event since before the Covid pandemic Friday even as officials urged marchers to wear masks amid a surge in infections. Organisers called it the "largest parade of its kind held worldwide since the outbreak of Covid-19." The last Tel Aviv Pride in 2019 drew a quarter of a million revellers, who danced on colourful floats under rainbow banners in the beachside city. This year's celebration will be more subdued as Israel remains largely closed to tourists due to the coronavirus. Still, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai hailed its return, saying in a statement: "Pride events in Tel Aviv-Yafo are a long-standing tradition, centred on a message of equality, acceptance, and human and civil rights." The parade was set to begin at noon (0900 GMT), the same time a health ministry requirement for masks to be worn in most indoor spaces goes back into effect just 10 days after it was lifted. The ministry also recommended mask wearing at large outdoor gatherings, "for example during pride events that will be taking place this weekend around the country." Israel has the most open attitude to homosexuality in the Middle East, with a large and influential gay community. However, a new coalition headed by Naftali Bennett, who unseated veteran prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month, includes parties with socially conservative platforms. Among them is the Islamic conservative Raam party, which released a campaign video earlier this year calling homosexuals "deviants". Party leader Mansour Abbas has supported conversion therapy and opposed legislation that would support the LGBTQ community. A 2015 pride event in Jerusalem ended in tragedy when an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man stabbed a 16-year-old girl to death and wounded several others. dac/kir
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