Jewish organizations and antisemitism watchdogs are condemning a decision of the Rome Pride parade organizers that bars Jewish LGBTQ groups from participating unless they publicly condemn Israel over the war in Gaza. The controversy began after Rome Pride organizers announced that Keshet Italia and Keshet Europe would not be allowed to join the June 20 parade with an official float because they had failed to “distance themselves” from what organizers called the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The decision sparked backlash from Jewish groups across Europe, with critics accusing orga
nizers of applying political conditions specifically to Jewish participants. Shannon Seban, Director of European Affairs at the Combat Antisemitism Movement, called the decision a blatant act of antisemitic discrimination.
Seban said, “When Pride excludes Jews, it betrays the very principles upon which the movement was built…No other minority community is routinely asked to publicly denounce its homeland, distance itself from fellow members of its people, or adopt approved political positions simply to participate in civic life…The weaponization of Pride spaces against Jews is unacceptable…Antisemitism has no place in the LGBTQ movement.”
Keshet Italia, the only Italian Jewish LGBTQ organization, also accused parade organizers of remaining silent after alleged antisemitic incidents at last year’s event. The dispute comes amid growing concern over rising antisemitism across Europe since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Similar debates involving Jewish groups and Pride events have surfaced in cities including London, Chicago, Washington, and Brussels.
