New York Mayor Jorlan Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, did not attend the 62nd annual Israel Day Parade in Manhattan, citing his support for Palestinian rights. His absence is notable, as it marks the first time a New York mayor has skipped this event.
According to the Associated Press, thousands of supporters of Israel, including American Jews, marched along Fifth Avenue from 62nd to 74th Streets from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 31, waving Israeli flags and American flags as they walked.
The event originated in 1964 when thousands gathered in Manhattan to support the then-newly established state of Israel. The Times of Israel reported that the parade was initially called the 'Youth Salute to Israel Parade.' The following year, David Ben-Gurion, revered as Israel's founding father, attended the event, boosting support for Israel. Since then, the parade has been held annually along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
The AP noted that this parade has traditionally been a must-attend event for politicians, including mayors and governors, seeking to capture the Jewish vote. However, Mamdani indicated early on that he would not participate. Two weeks prior, his office released a video commemorating Nakba, which means 'catastrophe' in Arabic and refers to the forced displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians during the Arab-Israeli War following Israel's founding in 1948. Mamdani also stated at a recent press conference, "I made it clear during my campaign that I would not participate in the (Israel Day) parade, and my views on the Israeli government are well known."
Mamdani's absence has drawn criticism from Jewish leaders in the U.S. Mark Schneider, chairman of the Foundation for Interracial Understanding and rabbi at the Hampton Synagogue, expressed discomfort, stating, "(Mamdani's absence) is an insult to Jewish citizens of New York. We also don’t need you, so don’t come."
However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tish attended the event, as reported by The New York Times. Hochul emphasized that the groups participating in the Israel Day Parade were marching "in the spirit of resistance," asserting, "No one should have to endure harassment or hatred when attending worship, and we will stand together to ensure your protection."
The event also saw participation from 13 Israeli lawmakers, including Amir Ohana, the Speaker of the Knesset. Ohana criticized Mamdani, stating that he is "shamefully fueling hatred against Israel and Jewish residents in New York," according to the Times of Israel.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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