NEW YORK — In a decision that has drawn criticism from prominent Jewish leaders, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani opted not to attend the annual Israel Day parade on Fifth Avenue despite his campaign pledge of supporting pro-Israel initiatives.
Mamdani, who identified as a Muslim socialist during his campaign, stated he would not participate in the event due to his views on the Israeli government and his responsibility for public safety. “I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending the parade, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear,” Mamdani told reporters during a security briefing with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The decision sparked backlash from members of New York’s Jewish community. Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive director of the New York Board of Rabbis, emphasized that the event is a celebration of Jewish identity and heritage rather than a policy parade. “It’s not a policy parade. It’s a Jewish people parade,” he said.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized Mamdani as “anti-Israel” and an anti-Semite, accusing him of watering down the definition of antisemitism and failing to address human rights violations in countries such as Iran, Russia, and China.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon praised the large turnout at the parade despite Mayor Mamdani’s absence. “While the mayor chose to boycott the event and turn his back on tens of thousands of Jews and supporters of Israel, the public came in droves to prove that the connection to Israel is stronger than any political campaign,” Danon stated.
The parade was attended by New York Governor Hochul and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, alongside other city officials including Attorney General Leticia James.