"I ask his Excellency to object this terrible phenomenon, in the hope that the protest of religious leaders will guide lost souls who fool and harm themselves badly and will deter evil people from corrupting humanity," he added.

Amar expressed concerns over "bad influence" of the gay community on children and teenagers, who could be corrupted.

Amar said this is his opinion and the opinion of all religious leaders in Israel. "We need to have deterrence against this evil and express our objection to and disgust by these tendencies that never were so abundant."

Rabbi Metzger: Cancel parade


On Monday, Ashkenazi Chief rabbi Yona Metzger attended a meeting of international religious leaders in Moscow.

Metzger called on the attendants to act "by all means to cancel the pride parade in the Holy City of Jerusalem."

Metzger said: "As everyone knows, Jerusalem is the cradle in which the three monotheistic religions spouted. We have to unite to preserve its historical holiness and the values of purity and morality which characterize it."

Religious leaders from around the world expressed concerns that the parade will touch off violent confrontations between the participants and members of the city's religious communities.

During the event, which was organized by the Russian Orthodox Church on the suggestion of Russia's Inter-Religious Council and includes representatives from 40 countries, including Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Metzger said political disputes should be left behind and that ?countries must stand united around their belief in one God.?