Mamdani Becomes First NYC Mayor In Decades To Skip Israel Day Parade

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to become the first sitting mayor in decades to skip the city’s annual Israel Day Parade, breaking a tradition that dates back to the event’s founding in 1964.

The parade, scheduled for May 31 along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, has long served as a major public show of support for Israel and the city’s Jewish community. Mamdani’s decision not to attend has triggered backlash from Jewish leaders and Republican officials, while also intensifying tensions between the mayor and many mainstream pro-Israel organizations in New York.

The controversy comes as antisemitism remains a major political issue in the city following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the surge of anti-Israel demonstrations that followed across the United States. Mamdani, one of the country’s most prominent anti-Israel elected officials, has faced growing criticism from Jewish groups over his support for the BDS movement and his refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani accused Mamdani of deliberately snubbing Jewish New Yorkers.

“Mamdani’s decision to snub the Israeli Day Parade demonstrates his deep disdain and hatred of the Jewish community,” Giuliani told the New York Post.

“When you combine this with his failure to attend the investiture of the new Catholic Archbishop, a pattern emerges, revealing a man on a mission to tear down the foundations of Western civilization,” Giuliani added.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor of New York, also sharply criticized the mayor.

“For half a century, this parade has been a symbol of unity,” Blakeman said. “Mamdani is shattering that tradition.”

Mamdani’s office referred reporters to comments he made last October explaining his position.

“I look forward to joining — and hosting — many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city,” Mamdani said in remarks previously reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

“While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety,” he said. “I believe in equal rights for all people — everywhere. That principle guides me consistently.”

Critics have also pointed to what they describe as a double standard, noting that Mamdani participated in New York’s Pakistan Day Parade while refusing to attend the Israel event.

The dispute comes just days after many major Jewish organizations reportedly declined invitations to Mamdani’s Jewish Heritage Month celebration at Gracie Mansion. Groups including the Anti-Defamation League, UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, the Orthodox Union, and Agudath Israel were among those absent from the event, according to multiple reports.

Mamdani also drew criticism last week after marking “Nakba Day,” which commemorates what Palestinians describe as the “catastrophe” surrounding Israel’s establishment in 1948.

Despite the mayor’s absence, this year’s parade is expected to become an even larger pro-Israel demonstration than usual. Israeli media reported that the Knesset plans to send its largest-ever delegation to the event, including lawmakers from both coalition and opposition parties. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is also expected to attend.

In another notable development, a Muslim organization is expected to participate in the parade for the first time. The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council said anti-Israel demonstrators do not represent all Muslims and voiced support for Jewish-Muslim coexistence.

For many supporters, this year’s parade now appears likely to become not only a celebration of Israel, but also a public political statement in the midst of growing divisions inside New York politics.