25.4.05

By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent

Unidentified arsonists set fire to Shushan, a gay and lesbian bar in Jerusalem, on Sunday.

Shushan is the only gay bar in the city. It is run by Sa'ar Netanel, a Meretz representative on Jerusalem's city council. Netanel is also active in planning the World Pride Parade, slated to be held in Jerusalem in August.

Police have launched an investigation to verify whether the bar was set on fire to protest the upcoming parade.

A coalition consisting of various religious groups - including Evangelical Christians, Shas, and MK Benny Elon - was formed in recent months in response to the scheduled World Pride Parade. The coalition claims that the parade will end religious tourism to Jerusalem.

The Tourism Ministry announced two weeks ago that it would agree to fund the parade, if it was to be held in Tel Aviv.