New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stayed away from the annual Israel Day Parade
June 1, 2026: Zohran Mamdani became the first New York City mayor in decades to skip the annual Israel Day Parade, a long-standing event held since the 1960s to commemorate the creation of the State of Israel. The parade, which attracts thousands of participants each year, took place in Manhattan and featured Israeli flags, balloons, and public displays of support for Israel. New York is home to one of the world’s largest Jewish populations outside Israel, making the event a significant political and cultural gathering.
Mamdani, known for his pro-Palestinian views, said he had made it clear during his campaign that he would not attend the parade. He has previously accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and violating Palestinian rights, allegations rejected by the Israeli government. At the same time, he has condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas as a war crime and has called for equal rights and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Despite his absence, Mamdani assured residents that the city would provide a strong police presence to ensure the parade remained safe and peaceful.
The mayor’s decision drew criticism from several Israeli figures, including Danny Danon and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Both argued that his absence sent a negative message to New York’s Jewish community. Meanwhile, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch attended the event and said she was proud to participate. The controversy reflects broader debates in the United States, where public attitudes toward Israel and the Gaza conflict have become increasingly divided.