NYC Israel Day Parade draws top leaders as Mamdani skips annual show of solidarity

The 2026 Israel Day Parade marked a historic break from tradition, becoming the first in six decades to take place without New York City's mayor in attendance. Mayor Zohran Mamdani previously stated he would not attend the parade and that he had made his views on the Israeli government ‘abundantly clear.’

The parade drew thousands of supporters who lined the streets, waving American and Israeli flags in a vibrant display of unity between the two nations.

The NYPD stated that there are no known threats against the parade, but it is prepared with its most extensive security plan in the event's history. Uniformed and plainclothes officers were stationed along the route, along with counterterrorism teams, explosives detection units, helicopters, drones, K9 units, and mounted units. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the parade as 'one of the most joyful days of the year'.

Prominent New York leaders, including Eric Adams, Michael Bloomberg, Governor Kathy Hochul, Chuck Schumer and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, joined more than 40,000 parade-goers to celebrate the annual event. At a news conference at the start of the event, Hochul noted that the group was marching “in defiance.” 'When you go to worship with your families, you should not have to endure harassment, intimidation, or hatred from anyone,' she said. 'We’re going to stand up to make sure that you’re protected.'

Organizers said the event was intended to celebrate Jewish identity, Israeli culture and unity during a period of heightened global tensions. Marchers carried Israeli flags and banners representing Jewish schools and organizations from across the New York metropolitan area.