Israelis attacked at Bologna Pride for carrying Star of David flag, witnesses say

A group of Israelis participating in the LGBTQ Pride Parade in Bologna, Italy, reported being subjected to verbal abuse and physical altercations on Saturday. Witnesses told Israel's Channel 12 that the group, which was waving a pride flag adorned with the Star of David, faced hostility from other parade attendees.

According to the report, a pregnant woman within the Israeli group was allegedly shoved. One participant recounted, "They screamed at us that we were murderers; all the children there were scared." Another added, "We were with children, proud families who came to march in an event founded to promote our rights – and we were attacked because we are Jews."

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They screamed at us that we were murderers; all the children there were scared.

The parade, themed "Rivolta Pride" ("Revolt Pride"), focused on issues such as climate change and LGBTQ rights, but organizers also emphasized support for the Palestinian people. Italian media reported the presence of Palestinian flags alongside Pride flags throughout the demonstration. Protesters were reportedly heard chanting "Queers know which side to stand on: Free Palestine, from the river to the sea." Signs displayed slogans like "no Pride in genocide," referencing accusations against Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza.

Further incidents were reported, including clashes involving anti-regime Iranians marching with their pre-revolutionary flag, who were met with chants of "Zionists out of the march." The article also notes that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government reportedly faced criticism from organizers regarding cuts to healthcare and welfare.

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I stood with my wife and son and another family who came with strollers, and we filmed their screams. We were with children, proud families who came to march in an event founded to promote our rights – and we were attacked because we are Jews.