Thousands gather for London's 'Salute to Israel'

Some 45,000 people took part in the 'Salute to Israel' parade in Britain on Sunday, celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary.

The parade, an annual staple in New York, was brought to the UK through the collaborative efforts of the Zionist Federation and the Israeli Embassy in London.

The parade set off from Piccadilly and ended in Trafalgar Square, with floats, decorated vehicles and a band escorting participants through London's streets.

London march (Photo: John Ripkind)

Guests of honor at the rally in Trafalgar were Israeli Diaspora Minister Isaac Herzog, London Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and British Education Minister Ed Balls.

Minister Herzog delivered a speech that touched on the Iranian threat and efforts to secure the release of captive Israeli soldiers Eldad Regev, Ehud Goldwasser and Gilad Shalit.

Israeli Ambassador to Britain, Ron Proser, also addressed the assembled crowd. "It warms our hearts to see thousands of blue and white flags filling London's streets," he said.

A parallel event was held in Manchester.