More than 50,000 participants filled Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade, joining thousands of spectators in one of the largest turnouts in the event’s history. Full Story, Photos
By COLlive reporter
More than 50,000 participants filled Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade, joining thousands of spectators in one of the largest turnouts in the event’s history.
The celebration, officially known as Israel Day on Fifth, brought together Jewish organizations, schools, community groups, elected officials, and supporters of Israel from across New York and beyond. Despite heightened security concerns and the absence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who boycotted the event, the parade proceeded smoothly and maintained its festive atmosphere throughout the day.
According to organizers from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC), the parade served as a public display of solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people at a time when many in the community have expressed growing concern over rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment.
Among those addressing the crowd before the march were Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Letitia James, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, City Comptroller Mark Levine, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, members of Congress, and numerous Jewish communal leaders. Jewish NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch served as the Grand Marshall.
Mamdani’s decision not to attend marked the first time since the parade began in 1965 that a sitting New York City mayor did not participate. However, former mayors Michael Bloomberg and Eric Adams both marched to cheers from the crowd, along with a slew of elected officials and NYPD Brass.
“Today we march in defiance and also to stand up for the values that defined New York State since its very beginning,” Hochul told participants.
A delegation from Israel, led by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, also attended the event. The group included several Israeli lawmakers, among them Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu.
Speaking at the event, UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein reflected on the changing climate surrounding support for Israel.
“There was a time when this parade was a straightforward celebration of Israel’s accomplishments,” Goldstein said. “Today, many Jews feel increasingly targeted and isolated. That makes gatherings like this even more important, as an opportunity to stand together proudly and publicly.”
The parade featured a wide range of participants, from major Jewish organizations and day schools to cultural groups and community initiatives. TorahMates drew attention with two camels brought in for the occasion, while marching bands performed Israeli music and participants danced along Fifth Avenue.
Non-Jewish allies also joined the celebration, including a Muslim delegation led by pro-Israel activist Sheikh Musa Drammeh and representatives from Manhattan’s Chinatown community, who performed a traditional dragon dance.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who marched in the parade, said the event was among the most heavily secured public gatherings in the city this year. City officials and parade organizers credited extensive coordination between law enforcement and community leaders for ensuring a safe and successful event.
