Parade for Israel in NYC focuses on solidarity this year as Gaza war casts a grim shadow
NEW YORK — An annual parade for Israel in New York City that draws thousands of people will take to the streets on Sunday with increased security and a focus on solidarity during the war in Gaza.
The parade comes almost eight months after Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, the deadliest in Israel’s history. The parade in the past was dubbed “Celebrate Israel,” but organizers said the jubilant atmosphere would be paused this year given the war and Israeli hostages still held in captivity, as well as outbursts of anti-Semitism worldwide.
The parade, now called “Israel Day on Fifth” because of its route along Fifth Avenue from 57th Street to 74th Street in Manhattan, will instead focus on solidarity, strength and resilience, said Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
“This is not an atmosphere of confetti and music,” Treyger said. “This is more an atmosphere of unwavering, rock-solid solidarity with hostages to bring them home, and also of our unwavering love and pride in our Jewish identity.”
The parade, in its 59th year, will start at about 11:30 a.m. on Sunday and is expected to draw more than 40,000 participants, including Israeli dignitaries, celebrities and some of the hostages’ families.
There was never any consideration of canceling the parade this year, Treyger said, despite what he called an astronomical rise in anti-Semitism.
“This is a moment we must meet,” he said.
But there will be significant security.
New York Police Department officials said Friday they plan to implement measures typically used for high-profile events such as New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. That includes drones, K-9 units, bicycle patrols, fencing and barriers and designated entry points for all spectators. along the parade route.
Backpacks, large bags and coolers are prohibited. Spectators will have to pass through metal detectors and will only be allowed along the east side of Fifth Avenue, with police blocking the west side.
City officials emphasized Friday that there are no specific or credible threats to the parade or the city and that all protesters have the right to demonstrate as long as it is done peacefully.
“We will not allow any illegality or any disruption to the celebration of anyone’s heritage in this city,” New York Mayor Eric Adams said during a security briefing.
The parade represents the first large-scale Jewish event in the city since the war began, although there have been about 2,800 protests in the city, about 1,300 of which were related to the conflict, the Democrat said.
Israel is facing growth international criticism for his strategy of systematic destruction in Gaza, op an enormous cost item in the lives of citizens. Israeli bombings and ground offensives in the besieged area have killed more than 36,000 Palestinians. This is reported by the Gaza Ministry of Healthin which no distinction is made between combatants and civilians.