06/01/2026
On May 31, 2026, a crowd assembled to cheer and celebrate the annual Israel Day Parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City, a city that never sleeps. Dozens of people marched through the streets waving Israeli flags and dressed predominantly in blue.
The Israel Day Parade, which began in 1964, has long maintained the tradition of having the New York City mayor participate in the event. However, for the first time in six decades, a sitting NYC mayor skipped the 2026 Israel Day Parade.
Zohran Mamdani, NYCâs first Muslim mayor, broke the tradition by not attending the parade. The theme for the 2026 annual parade was âProud Americans, Proud Zionists.â Over the decades, the parade has been deemed an unmissable event, especially for mayors and governors. The cityâs 112th mayor turned the custom upside down, breaking decades-long norms.
Several political figures, such as Senator Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James, participated in the parade. Every year, the parade is held to celebrate Israel along Fifth Avenue, beginning at 57th Street. Over the years, the parade has been known by several names, including the âSalute to Israel Paradeâ and the âCelebrate Israel Parade.â
Mamdani had earlier confirmed at a press briefing that he would not be attending the parade. âI said on the campaign trail that I wouldnât be attending the parade, and Iâve made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear,â said Mamdani. He added that security at the parade would be maintained at full force.
The mayorâs absence has sparked a fresh wave of criticism against him. Some parade attendees, however, defended Mamdaniâs decision to skip the parade. Jessica Tisch, NYCâs police commissioner, who is also Jewish, stated, âIt is the mayorâs decision not to march, and itâs my decision to march proudly.â
Quoting CTV News, Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, called Mamdaniâs decision to miss the Israel Day Parade a âslap in the face to all Jewish New Yorkers.â He said, âDo us a favor, stay home. We donât need you. We donât want you.â
đLink in Comment Section to read the full story
[ zohran Mamdani, Israel Day Parade ]