Zohran Mamdani Skips New York’s Israel Day Parade After Bezalel Smotrich Participation

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped the annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday in Manhattan, breaking with a decades-long tradition of city mayors participating as international scrutiny over Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon intensified.

Haaretz reported that Mamdani said he was "offended" by the participation of far-right Israeli politicians, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, at the Israel Day Parade.

Al Jazeera

JNS.org said Mamdani’s absence followed his statement that he would have the Israeli prime minister arrested in the Big Apple, and it added that his spokeswoman said synagogues that host pro-Israel events violate international law.

All Israel News said the 62nd annual "Israel Day on Fifth" Parade drew a record turnout with organizers estimating approximately 50,000 participants marched along New York City’s Fifth Avenue despite Mamdani’s boycott.

Spectrum News NY1 described the event as unfolding under what police officials called an unprecedented security operation, with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch serving as the parade’s honorary grand marshal.

Supporters of the parade framed Mamdani’s absence as a political choice that did not change the event’s message, while critics tied the boycott to Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.

Spectrum News NY1 quoted parade attendee James Dichi saying, "It's good to see the security. It's also worrying that it has to be so much security," as the NYPD deployed what Tisch called "the most extensive security plan that the NYPD has ever put together."

All Israel News

The Washington Examiner reported that Mamdani said he would not attend because of his views on the Israeli government, while adding that "our administration has been preparing for weeks to ensure the parade is safe for all those who take part."

JNS.org quoted Israeli consul general Ofir Akunis telling JNS after the parade, "To all our enemies all around the world, but specifically here in New York City, we are here to stay, we are strong, we are proud."

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Rep. Dan Goldman told the Met Council breakfast, "I stand before you as a proud Jew and a proud Zionist, and those of us who feel that way can never waver," as Hochul signed a statewide 50-foot security buffer zone around houses of worship.

As the parade proceeded with heightened security, the sources linked the event to efforts to protect Jewish institutions and to broader political fights over how New York responds to antisemitism and Israel-related rhetoric.

“(CNN) -- New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani announced his intention not to participate in the annual march held on Sunday in celebration of Israel, breaking a long-standing political tradition that has stretched for decades, as a reflection of his stance in support of Palestinian rights”

CNN Arabic

Jewish Telegraphic Agency said Hochul signed a statewide law establishing a 50-foot security “buffer zone” around houses of worship, and it described the legislation as more expansive than a city-level law that had been passed without Mamdani’s signature.

JNS.org said the parade featured the first-ever Muslim delegation and that Danny Danon told JNS, "We are not alone. We have a lot of friends," while it also quoted Ayoob Kara saying, "We come in as a lobby of the Druze nation to say one thing. 'Israel does not stand alone,'".

Common Dreams framed the stakes through the participation of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, saying he called for the "annihilation" of Gaza and that progressives questioned why top Democratic officials marched with him.

In the same dispute, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Eric Goldstein condemned Mamdani’s absence in an open letter as "simply the latest in a pattern of demonizing anti-Israel rhetoric and actions that continue to place the Jewish community of New York at greater risk."

Spectrum News NY1 added that Mamdani said earlier this week, "I said on the campaign trail I wouldn't be attending the parade," and it quoted him saying he had a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of each and every New Yorker.