Tens Of Thousands Expected At NYC Israel Day Parade

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend Sunday’s Israel Day on Fifth parade, making him the first sitting mayor in more than six decades to skip the annual pro-Israel march, according to reports.

The parade, one of the largest public celebrations of Israel outside of Israel, is expected to draw tens of thousands of marchers to Fifth Avenue under the theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.” This year’s event comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Mamdani and mainstream Jewish organizations, as Jewish leaders warn of rising antisemitism across the city.

Mamdani, who has identified as anti-Zionist and has supported the BDS movement against Israel, said his absence should not be seen as a refusal to provide city support for the event.

“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. I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently,” Mamdani said in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

He added that he looks forward to “joining and hosting many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city.”

Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which organizes the parade, said City Hall, the NYPD and city agencies have cooperated with preparations for the march.

“The overwhelming majority of people that come to the parade each year don’t go because of politicians. They go out of love and pride for their community, their heritage and their connection and love for Israel,” Treyger said. “This parade is bigger than any one politician, and that includes the mayor of New York.”

Organizers said the parade is expected to be at capacity, with tens of thousands of participants and dozens of floats. JCRC says the event traditionally features more than 40,000 marchers.

Former Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the parade every year as mayor, urged New Yorkers to join him on Sunday.

“This Sunday, Fifth Avenue will once again become a sea of blue and white as proud New Yorkers come together to celebrate the unbreakable bond between New York and Israel,” Adams said. “As mayor, I proudly marched in this parade every year I was in office, and this year will be no different.”

“At a time when antisemitism is rising across our country and Jewish New Yorkers are facing hatred, intimidation and attacks at unprecedented levels, we cannot afford silence,” he added.

Israeli officials are also expected to have a major presence at the parade. The Israeli Consulate in New York said Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana will lead a delegation of lawmakers, with Hebrew reports describing it as possibly the largest Knesset delegation ever sent to the event.

Ohana’s office said there is “special importance” this year in sending a large delegation of coalition and opposition lawmakers “to send a message to New York Jewry that the State of Israel stands by them.”

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis called on Jews and Israelis in the city to attend.

“This year, when antisemitism and hatred of Israel is at an all-time high — fueled by leaders in NYC and worldwide — we must show them that the blue and white flag will never be taken down!” Akunis said.

The parade is also expected to include Jewish nonprofits, school groups, non-Jewish allies and community organizations. Representatives of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council are expected to march, in what reports said may be the first time a Muslim group participates in the parade.

The march begins Sunday at 11:30 a.m. EST.