Thousands of people are lining Fifth Avenue on Sunday for New York City’s annual Israel Day Parade, one of the largest public demonstrations of support for Israel outside the Jewish state, as organizers and participants gather amid heightened security concerns and a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across the United States.
The parade, a longstanding fixture of New York’s Jewish calendar, comes at a particularly tense moment. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, Jewish communities in New York and across the United States have reported a surge in antisemitic incidents, while support for Israel has become an increasingly polarizing issue in public life.
The heightened security was visible blocks away from the parade route. Groups of Jewish attendees walked through Central Park searching for entry points, while even pedestrians trying to cross Fifth Avenue well before the parade were required to pass through metal detectors. To enter the parade area, attendees were directed from Sixth Avenue to Madison Avenue via 50th Street, screened there and then routed back toward Fifth Avenue through 55th Street.
Organizers say this year's event carries added significance as many participants seek to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and unity with Jewish communities facing growing hostility worldwide.
5 View gallery
NYPD officers secure a section of Manhattan near the Israel Day Parade route, where access was limited to residents amid heightened security measures
(Photo: Amir Bogen)
5 View gallery
Young participants gather outside a security checkpoint before joining New York’s annual Israel Day Parade in Manhattan
(Photo: Amir Bogen)
Security has been significantly increased following a series of attacks targeting Jews in North America and Europe, as well as repeated threats against Jewish institutions. New York police are maintaining a substantial presence along the parade route, with additional security measures implemented to protect participants and spectators.
The annual march traditionally attracts elected officials from across the political spectrum, Jewish organizations, student groups, synagogues, Israeli cultural organizations and thousands of supporters waving Israeli and American flags.
5 View gallery
Thousands march down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue during the annual Israel Day Parade in New York City
(Photo: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
5 View gallery
Thousands march down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue during the annual Israel Day Parade in New York City
(Photo: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
5 View gallery
Thousands march down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue during the annual Israel Day Parade in New York City
(Photo: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
This year, however, attention has also focused on who is not attending. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has opted to skip the parade. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and vocal critic of Israeli government policies, has frequently aligned himself with pro-Palestinian causes and has been among the most outspoken critics of Israel in New York politics.
Despite the political backdrop, organizers said the focus of the day remained on community, culture and the longstanding ties between New York and Israel.
The parade is expected to continue throughout the afternoon, with performances, marching bands, youth groups and community organizations participating in the procession along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.