The annual parade celebrating Israel took place in New York City on Sunday. Notably absent was Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had earlier announced his decision to skip the event. Despite his absence, the city’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, participated as a grand marshal, alongside prominent figures such as Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The Israel Day parade has traditionally been a key event for city leaders, drawing large crowds along Fifth Avenue. Mayor Mamdani stated at a news conference on Thursday that he would not be attending, reaffirming his stance on the Israeli government.
“I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending the parade, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear,” Mamdani remarked.
The mayor’s decision breaks a long-standing tradition of New York mayors participating in the parade. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized Mamdani, labeling him “anti-Israel.” Blakeman claimed that Mamdani has consistently expressed views against Israel and has watered down the definition of antisemitism.
“One of the first things he did as mayor was he watered down the definition of antisemitism,” said Blakeman. “He speaks out against Israel all the time.” Blakeman accused Mamdani of not addressing human rights issues in countries like Iran, Russia, and China.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, emphasized the turnout at the parade as proof of strong support for Israel. “While the mayor chose to boycott the event, the public proved that the connection to Israel is stronger than any political campaign,” Danon stated.
Governor Hochul and Senator Schumer, along with other New York leaders, attended the event. Schumer addressed the gathering, highlighting concerns over rising antisemitism.
“We are seeing an ugly resurgence of antisemitism across the world,” Schumer remarked, noting that misinformation can quickly spread through modern technology.
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