The broad cross-section of Jewry present at the Israel Day Parade on Sunday defied social media naysayers, as participants attended in defiance of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s boycott of the event and Jewish voices in prominent media distancing themselves from Zionism.
“I’ve marched many times – the first time with Yavneh Academy in fourth grade,” said West Hempstead parent Yoni Shenkman, who marched with HANC. “Given the rise of anti-Semitism, it’s important to show your support physically so we can have our voices heard.”
The financial advisor and Jewish Press columnist recently visited Israel, still feeling uplifted from the experience while sharing the country’s economic concerns. “They need tourists and they’re worried about the dollar being weak against the shekel. People raising money for Israel and tour guides who are paid in dollars are worried.”
Avoiding the search for parking and congestion pricing, many West Hempstead families took the train to Midtown for the parade. “I’ve marched since I was a baby with my grandfather, who fought in 1948,” said Aliza Gewirtz, who was traveling with three children. “We’re here to show our support.”
Along with World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors, participants of Israel’s War of Independence dwindle each year, as they wave from a trolley on the parade route. Their heroism made Israel possible; and in the aftermath of October 7, many of the marching groups waved flags with the names and faces of Nova festival-goers, hostages, and Israeli soldiers killed by terrorists, as Israel continues to fight for its survival.
While the mayor was seen biking across the city, political leaders participating in the march included Gov. Kathy Hochul, who signed a security buffer bill at the Met Council breakfast before the parade; Attorney General Letitia James; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; City Council Speaker Julie Menin; and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, among others. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch spoke proudly of her participation, noting the police presence as the “most extensive” for a parade.
With federal and state elections this year, there were signs along the parade route supporting Hochul’s opponent Bruce Blakeman for governor and Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General. They marched with the message that their party is more responsive in combating anti-Semitism and maintaining support for Israel.
Tisch marched next to former mayor Mike Bloomberg, with previous mayor Eric Adams marching a couple of hours behind them. In response to Mamdani’s absence, social media activist Lizzy Savetsky brought life-size cardboard cutouts of the socialist lawmaker and his wife Rama Duwaji. The likeness wore a heart-shaped sticker with “Hashem loves you” written on it.
Perhaps it was wishful thinking that the mayor, who sponsored boycott bills in the State Assembly, and an illustrator whose caricatures and music playlists glorify violence, would come around and embrace the Jewish state. In reality, this year’s parade had its first Muslim group, the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, led by Anila Ali.
“We are a little worried after somebody called and told us to wear a bulletproof vest,” Ali told the New York Post before the parade. “But we’re fighting to take back our country, and it’s a fight that every American should join.”
The diversity of Jewish life was best expressed by the UJA-Federation of New York, which had the largest contingent representing synagogues, community centers, and nonprofits under its umbrella. Its outgoing CEO, Eric Goldstein, noted that while there were participants expressing opposition to the presence of certain Israeli politicians, the event is an “apolitical gathering to show our love for the one and only Jewish homeland.”
Among the local politicians facing a leftist primary challenger, Rep. Dan Goldman marched even as some polls show him trailing Brad Lander, who is endorsed by Mamdani.
“I stand before you as a proud Jew and a proud Zionist, and those of us who feel that way can never waver,” Goldman said to the cheers of onlookers. “It should not be momentous to say that, but unfortunately, in many ways, today it is.”
There were no serious disruptions to the parade, as Fifth Avenue was protected by police on each side for a full block. For those few hours on Sunday, more than 50,000 people celebrated their connection with Israel, reaffirming their support and passing it to their children. Many spoke of first marching as children and then returning to see their children and grandchildren at this event.
“I first marched here as a student at HALB, and my wife Leora marched with HANC. I’ve returned almost every year,” said Daniel Elefant. “I also marched as a student at YU. In August, we will be making aliyah to Beit Shemesh. October 7 was a big push, and we’ve been thinking about it more seriously.” The West Hempstead couple marched with HANC, which their children attend.
Returning home, it was disappointing to see that on social media and traditional news outlets, hostility towards Israel continues to receive likes, retweets, and comments from self-described Jewish influencers. Fortunately, the online experience is not an accurate depiction of conditions on the ground, where yeshivos teach future generations to keep the faith and connection with Israel.
State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov knows this well, representing a Russian-speaking constituency that is fiercely Zionist in a part of Brooklyn that leans in favor of Republican candidates, contrasting with the commonly depicted view of the borough.
“The energy here is incredible,” he said. “While Mamdani chose to boycott this beautiful celebration out of hostility towards the Jewish people and Israel, thousands of New Yorkers showed the truth today: We are proud, united, and stronger than ever.”
