Why NYC’s First Muslim Mayor Bypassed the 62nd Israel Day Parade

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Mayor Mamdani, widely regarded as New York’s first Muslim mayor, skipped Manhattan’s 62-year-old Israel Day Parade in a decision he framed as support for Palestinian human rights. His absence was highly unusual, and local observers noted he may be the first New York mayor not to attend the event.

The Associated Press reported that thousands of Israel supporters, including many Jewish Americans, marched along Fifth Avenue from 62nd to 74th Street on the 31st, between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., waving Israeli and U.S. flags.

Records from the City University of New York indicate the parade began in 1964, when thousands gathered in Manhattan to demonstrate support for the then-new state of Israel. The Times of Israel says the event was originally called the “Youth Salute to Israel Parade.” In 1965, David Ben-Gurion, revered as Israel’s founding father, attended and helped raise the profile of the event. Since then, the parade has been held annually along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

AP described the parade as a traditional must-attend event for politicians—mayors, governors and others—seeking to court Jewish voters. But Mayor Mamdani signaled early that he would not participate. Two weeks earlier, his office released a video commemorating the Nakba—Arabic for “catastrophe,” referring to the roughly 700,000 Palestinians who were displaced during the 1948 Arab–Israeli war following Israel’s founding. Mamdani also told reporters recently, “I said during the campaign that I would not take part in the parade, and my views on the Israeli government are clear.”

Some Jewish leaders across the U.S. expressed discomfort at Mamdani’s absence. Mark Schneider, chairman of the Foundation for Interfaith Understanding and a rabbi at a Long Island synagogue, told the wire service, “(The mayor’s absence) is an insult to Jewish New Yorkers,” adding, “If you don’t need us, don’t come.”

The New York Times reported that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch attended the parade. Gov. Hochul said participants “march as a show of support,” and she stressed, “No one should have to endure harassment or hatred while attending worship, and we will stand with you to ensure your safety.”

Thirteen Israeli lawmakers from across the political spectrum, including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, also attended. The Times of Israel quoted Ohana criticizing Mamdani, saying, “(The mayor) is despicably pouring fuel on hatred toward Israel and Jewish residents in New York.”