Mayor Sidesteps Israel Day Parade in NYC

New York City’s Mayor, Zoran Mamdani, is making a notable departure from the political norms by not attending the annual parade honoring Israel this Sunday. He cites his commitment to allies of those opposed to the Jewish state as his reason for boycotting.

The event, known as Israel Day, takes place on Fifth Avenue, where Jewish communities from Manhattan and beyond gather to celebrate the establishment of Israel in 1948, drawing large crowds.

Typically, events like the Israel Day Parade are key for mayors and governors who wish to engage with flag-waving participants and celebrate the Jewish community’s heritage.

However, this year, things seem to be different.

Interestingly, while Mamdani will skip the parade, he plans to partake in the Islamic Eid al-Adha prayer on May 27, 2026, at a Bronx location.

The mayor has a history of backing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, a movement that advocates against any form of relationship normalization with the country.

Just a couple of weeks ago, his office shared a video honoring the Nakba, a term referring to the “catastrophe” surrounding the events of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict.

“I was clear during my campaign that I would not participate in the parade, and I’ve expressed my thoughts on the Israeli government,” Mamdani stated at a recent press conference.

Rabbi Mark Schneier, from Hampton Synagogue in Long Island and president of a foundation focused on Jewish-Muslim relations, criticized the mayor’s decision, calling it “a slap in the face to all Jewish New Yorkers,” as reported by the Associated Press.

New York City is home to the largest Jewish population in the U.S., and its mayors have traditionally maintained strong ties with Israel, often making visits to the country.