(JTA) — Hours after a stabbing attack at Jerusalem’s gay pride parade wounded six people, Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said he plans to “dramatically” increase state funding for a group that helps LGBT minors.
Bennett, a member of the right-wing Jewish Home party, announced on Thursday night that more money would go to Israel Gay Youth, Ynet reported. He did not specify the amount of funding.
Police identified Yishai Schlissel, a haredi Orthodox Jew recently released from prison for a similar attack on a gay pride parade in 2005, as the perpetrator of the attack, which left one victim in critical condition.
Bennett, who represents a pro-settler constituency, condemned the attack.
“I won’t allow any youth in Israel to fear walking outside due to their lifestyle,” he said.
Bennett added on Twitter that he is supporting a new program designed to prevent incitement against LGBT people. He also tweeted that Shlissel had attacked the morals of the Jewish faith and should receive the most severe punishment possible.
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