PHOTOS: The 12th Gay Pride in Jerusalem

While attendance was down from previous years, thousands still attended the parade Thursday night hosted by Jerusalem Open House. Hundreds of police officers and border guards secured the parade as tensions were high. Israel has liberal LGBT rights policies despite the hostility shown toward LGBT people, particularly men, from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. And the parade in Jerusalem has been a target for their anger in past years. This year's parade had already been postponed twice according to JTA.org, citing a 50-day war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip over the summer. 

Above: Two Israeli men play with their child during a rally before the parade in Jerusalem. 

Israeli commando police forces secure the area where thousands of Israelis participated the parade.

Israelis wrapped in rainbow-colored flags hold placards reading in Hebrew "I'm proud to be a right militant" (left) and "I study in a religious school."

A pause in the celebration for a spread-winged photo.

Israelis dance behind a rainbow-colored flag.

Israelis carry rainbow flags during the parade.

Even though attendance was down spirits were high.

Capturing the moment on a mobile device.