'Israel Day on Fifth' Parade draws record turnout amid NYC mayor's boycott, security concerns

The 62nd anual 'Israel Day on Fifth' Parade drew a record turnout on Sunday, with organizers estimating that approximately 50,000 participants marched along New York City's iconic Fifth Avenue despite the absence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who became the first New York mayor to boycott the event in its history.

The parade, organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), attracted thousands of marchers, community groups, elected officials and supporters of Israel from across the region. Organizers described this year's event as one of the largest in its history, with participation surpassing previous records. The theme of the event was “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.”

The strong turnout came despite calls for disruption by anti-Israel activists and security concerns surrounding the event. Several elected officials from Mamdani's Democratic Party attended the parade, underscoring continued bipartisan and cross-community support for the annual celebration of Israel and Jewish heritage.

Held under heightened security, which Mamdani had pledged before the event, the march proceeded without major incidents as participants made their way up Fifth Avenue carrying Israeli and American flags, celebrating the longstanding ties between the United States, New York's Jewish community and the State of Israel.

Prominent Democratic politicians who marched in the parade and addressed the crowds were NY Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Letitia James, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, City Comptroller Mark Levine and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish. Several members of New York’s congressional delegation were also in attendance, along with leaders of civic organizations and prominent leaders in the business and cultural communities. Former mayors Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg also marched in the parade.

Gov. Hochul said, “Today we march in defiance and also to stand up for the values that defined New York State since its very beginning.”

Consul-General of Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis, also spoke at the event, declaring, "The Jews of New York are here to stay. The home of the Jews, the State of Israel, is here to stay!" 

Most Israeli political leaders in attendance had positive things to say about the parade while avoiding direct criticism of Mamdani.

However, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who hopes to make a political comeback in the upcoming elections, harshly criticized Mamdani on 𝕏: "At a time when Jews are being harassed, attacked in the streets, and told to hide or apologize for who they are, choosing to march is an act of courage. It is a declaration that Jews will not be intimidated and that the Jewish state will not disappear because others wish it would." 

Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, who marched in the parade alongside Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and several other Knesset members, voiced his disapproval of Mamdani, saying that "while tens of thousands of Jews and lovers of Israel are marching proudly in New York today, the mayor chose to align himself with radical forces that are trying to turn support for Israel into something that needs to be apologized for."

Eric Goldstein, the head of the UJA-Federation of NY, told the attendees, “This parade used to be a simpler time where we would march apolitically to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of this tiny, young nation. We are increasingly isolated and targeted for being Jews. That said, today and every day, we must be proud, we must be public, we must come together.”

NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin said in a statement. “As home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, New York City sends a powerful message today: we are choosing joy over hate, unity over division, and pride over fear.”

The event had a carnival-like atmosphere, featuring a diverse mix of groups, including a motorcycle club and marching bands performing traditional Israeli, American and Jewish songs.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical services organization, marched with a large delegation led by Global President and former Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan. The group included MDA medics, international volunteers and several hundred supporters.

Non-Jewish participants also joined in solidarity with their Jewish neighbors, among them Christian and Muslim interfaith leaders as well as a Dragon Dance group from Chinatown.