New York’s mayor breaks tradition while police prepare record security for pro-Israel celebration”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended his decision to skip Sunday’s Israel Day Parade, even as his administration promised heavy security for one of the city’s most important Jewish community events.
Mamdani said during a security briefing that he will not attend the march, repeating a pledge he made during his mayoral campaign. His absence breaks with the long tradition of New York City mayors joining the Fifth Avenue parade in solidarity with Israel and the city’s large Jewish population.
While Mamdani insisted that public safety remains a priority regardless of his attendance, the political contrast inside City Hall was clear. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, said it was the mayor’s decision not to march and her decision to march proudly.
Tisch described the parade as one of the most joyful days of the year and said the NYPD is preparing an unprecedented security operation. Police plan heavy deployment, strict screening and enhanced protection along the parade route amid heightened concerns over antisemitic threats.
Mamdani’s refusal to attend adds to a long list of controversies surrounding his anti-Israel positions. During his campaign, he refused to disavow the phrase “globalize the intifada,” criticized Israel immediately after the October 7 massacre, accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza and vowed to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York City.
His administration has also reversed executive orders connected to Israel, including one recognizing the IHRA definition of antisemitism and another restricting city officials from participating in boycotts against Israel.
For many Jewish New Yorkers, the mayor’s absence sends a painful message at a time of rising antisemitism. But Tisch’s decision to march proudly ensures that the city’s law enforcement leadership will visibly stand with the parade, Israel and the Jewish community.
