NYC Mayor Skips Israel Parade, Citing Palestinian Support

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend the annual Israel Day parade on Fifth Avenue, breaking a decades-long tradition of mayoral participation. The parade, which celebrates Israel’s founding in 1948, has historically drawn tens of thousands of participants and political leaders. Mamdani, a supporter of Palestinian rights, confirmed his decision during a public safety briefing, stating he had pledged during his campaign not to attend due to his views on the Israeli government. He emphasized that his administration has been preparing for weeks to ensure the parade proceeds safely. 'While I will not be attending, our administration has been preparing for weeks to ensure the parade is safe for all those who take part,' Mamdani said. The mayor’s office recently released a video commemorating the Nakba, referring to the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, announced she would attend the parade, stating, 'It is the mayor’s decision not to march, and it is my decision to march proudly.' The decision has drawn criticism from some Jewish leaders and pro-Israel advocates, who argue the parade is a celebration of Jewish identity and solidarity rather than an endorsement of any particular Israeli government. Rabbi Marc Schneier called Mamdani’s decision a 'slap in the face to all Jewish New Yorkers.' Former Mayor Eric Adams, who plans to attend the parade, voiced support for the city’s Jewish community.