Nearly 100 Valley Jews filled Third Street in downtown Phoenix with song, a shofar and a celebratory mood on Sunday, Oct. 19, as they marched together in the annual Phoenix Pride Parade. Behind a large white banner reading “AZ Jews for Pride,” the group sang Jewish songs, waved rainbow flags and even broke into the horah as thousands of spectators cheered them on from the sidelines.
The marchers, wearing matching purple T-shirts emblazoned with the Hebrew word “Ahavah” (love), created a striking wave of color and energy as they made their way north. One marcher sounded the shofar at the front of the group, its call echoing through the downtown streets.
Following them was a white truck adorned with rainbow stickers and affirming messages such as “You Belong Here,” “I Love Queer Jews,” “You’re Safe Here” and “Acceptance, Support, Love.” The message was clear: LGBTQ+ Jews and allies have a proud place in both the Jewish and queer communities of Greater Phoenix.
Two politicians well-known to the Jewish community took part in the parade. Phoenix’s Jewish mayor, Kate Gallego, served as one of the community grand marshals, while Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton stopped by to greet the Jewish marchers before the parade began. Stanton took photos with the group and accepted one of their extra-large purple T-shirts to mark the occasion…