A well-known pro-Israel advocate is urging Governor Cathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard in New York City to ensure the safety of participants in the upcoming Israel Day Parade. This request comes amid a troubling increase in anti-Semitic occurrences.
Dov Hilkind, who founded Americans Against Anti-Semitism, expressed support for the NYPD but contends that local law enforcement should enhance security—not just along the parade route in Manhattan, but more generally at events where individuals may display Israeli symbols or wear pro-Israel attire, as they could be targeted for aggression.
“We need to make sure that bad things don’t happen,” stated Hilkind, a former state lawmaker who represented a largely Orthodox Jewish area in Brooklyn. He emphasized the need to protect the Jewish community, asking Governor Hochul to send the National Guard to assist the NYPD.
Hochul frequently utilizes the National Guard at major transit spots to help deter crime.
However, the head of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which organizes the annual Israel Day Parade, mentioned that he is in close collaboration with the NYPD and hasn’t requested National Guard assistance.
“I have full confidence in the New York City Police Department, which is the greatest police department in the world, led effectively by Chief Jessica Tisch. She has done remarkable work to guarantee the safety and success of significant events in New York City, including the recent Israel Day on Fifth,” stated JCRC CEO Mark Trager.
“Secretary Tisch, the NYPD, and all of our law enforcement partners have worked diligently to prepare for next Sunday’s parade.”
Trager also pointed out the Community Security Initiative, a partnership between JCRC-NY and the UJA-New York Federation, is actively collaborating with law enforcement to ensure the safety of parade attendees.
“New Yorkers should be aware that meticulous planning, coordination, and security measures are in place to make next Sunday’s festivities safe, successful, and enjoyable,” Trager noted. He added, “We anticipate celebrating our Jewish heritage, our bond with Israel, and our appreciation for life in New York City, the greatest city on Earth.”
Hilkind raised concerns about additional security, particularly following several anti-Israel demonstrations outside Jewish places of worship, including Park East Synagogue and Young Israel Senior Services in Midwood, Brooklyn, where he formerly led.
He also mentioned that Mayor Zoran Mamdani, known for his criticism of Israel, is boycotting the parade.
The parade is scheduled for Sunday, May 31st, and will take place along Fifth Avenue from 62nd Street to 74th Street.
