13 June 2007
In Israel, rabbis from a small anti-Zionist sect have pronounced a curse over all who participate in next week's ‘gay pride’ parade in Jerusalem. They also vowed to stage a massive demonstration against it. Following the ruling by the rabbinical court of the Eda Haredit sect, posters were put up throughout Jerusalem carrying the warning: “To all those involved, sinners in spirit, and whoever helps and protects them, may they feel a curse on their souls, may it plague them and may evil pursue them; they will not be requited of their transgressions from heavenly judgment.”
The group also said that it will stage a massive demonstration against the planned parade next Sunday in Jerusalem. Organizers of the event expect 100,000 participants. While the Eda Haredit is not particularly large in numbers, many from Israel's more mainstream Orthodox Jewish community are expected to join forces with the sect in the effort to prevent Jerusalem's streets from becoming a ‘platform for mass lewdness’.