Tel Aviv pride parade draws thousands

      Tens of thousands of people were estimated to have participated in Tel Aviv's 11th annual Gay Pride Parade Friday, which took place as part of the city's centennial celebrations. The parade began in the late morning and continued throughout the day, ending in the early evening hours, with a beachside wedding of five gay couples - two male and three female. An estimated 20,000 people took part in the parade, which was sponsored by the Tel Aviv municipality and began at Meir Park before winding its way down the city's boulevards to the beachfront. A small group of right-wing and religious protesters demonstrated against the parade, holding up banners reading: "God hates debauchery." Interior Minister Eli Yishai had called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai to cancel the parade. The five couples exchanged wedding vows and rings in front of thousands of people at Gordon Beach at sunset. The 'mass' wedding is the first of its kind in Israel and is a new addition to the parade. Thousands cheered and clapped as the couples broke the glass after reciting 'If I forget thee oh Tel Aviv' a spin-off of the traditional verse 'If I forget thee oh Jerusalem' from Psalm 137:5 recited at Jewish weddings. Each bride/groom received a 'Certificate of Union' attesting to their commitment to their partner.(08,49)