SHOOTING AT TEL AVIV GAY CENTER LEAVES 3 DEAD

3 people have been killed and at least 11 wounded in a rare attack at Café Noir a gay community center for teens in Israel. It provided an environment for interaction, and many did not make their sexual orientation public knowledge outside of that circle of friends.



According to witnesses, the unidentified gunman, wearing a mask, stormed into the club and began shooting in all directions. Then he fled. Hundreds of Israeli police have launched a manhunt for the assailant.

"A young man and a young woman were killed on the spot and the third victim died in hospital, the authorities said, and one of those who were wounded was in serious condition. The gunman, who was dressed in black, unloaded an automatic weapon as he fired on the group of young gay men and lesbians near the entrance of the center, witnesses said, and he then ran away. No one had been arrested by early Sunday. The Tel Aviv police chief, Shahar Ayalon, ordered the closing of a nearby gay bar in the city and urged such establishments to remain vigilant. Leaders of the gay community said they believed that the shooting was a homophobic attack."



After the shooting a rally-parade took place in the streets of Tel Aviv. Eyal one of our readers from israel sent us some photos. Today hundreds of Israelis have joined a rallies organised by the gay community in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Beer Sheva.

Gay rights activist Mike Hamel criticised religiously-driven hatred of homosexuals. "Beyond the pain, the frustration and the anger, we are facing a situation in which the incitement to hate creates an environment that allows this to happen," he said.