New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will become the first sitting mayor since 1964 to skip the annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The decision has drawn intense criticism from Jewish leaders and organizations.
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The city has pledged its most extensive security operation ever for the event. Organizers expect a record turnout of tens of thousands of participants on Fifth Avenue.
A delegation from the Israeli Knesset is scheduled to attend during American Jewish Heritage Month.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will serve as a grand marshal, creating a direct contrast with the mayor's absence.
Mamdani and Tisch jointly announced security measures on Thursday.
They confirmed that the city faces no credible threats but will deploy heavy weapons teams, extensive camera systems, and counterterrorism units.
The mayor previously faced backlash for publishing a video marking the "Nakba" and for supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign.
He stated that his decision aligns with positions he held prior to his election.
"I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn't be attending the parade, and I've made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear," said Mamdani.
The mayor emphasized that municipal protections for the parade route will remain fully operational regardless of his choice.
"I don't believe that my presence as the mayor should determine whether or not a New Yorker is safe or secure," said Mamdani.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch confirmed her participation in the parade alongside the thousands of expected marchers.
She outlined comprehensive protective details, including uniformed officers, plainclothes units, explosives detection, helicopters, K9 teams, and mounted units.
"It's the mayor's decision not to march, and it is my decision to march proudly," said Tisch.
The police department is enforcing strict screening protocols for all individuals entering the parade boundaries.
"Included in that security plan will be the most heavy weapons teams ever, robust camera coverage of the area, and comprehensive screening of everyone entering the parade route," said Tisch.
Community Reactions
Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, welcomed the high registration numbers for the event.
He noted that antisemitic crimes currently constitute the majority of hate crimes reported across the city.
"We're at capacity, where I'm still getting messages of folks who want to march, even at this hour," said Treyger.
The organizing council stated that the parade provides an essential environment for the city's Jewish population to gather openly.
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"This is a parade that creates a space for people to be unapologetic and not fearful, to be who we are, and to have love and pride in our Jewish identity and our story," said Treyger.
Anila Ali, a Pakistani-born civil rights advocate and founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, announced she will lead the first-ever Muslim delegation at the parade.
Ali revealed to the New York Post that she received threats telling her to wear a bulletproof vest due to her public stance.
"We are a little worried after somebody’s been calling and saying to wear a bulletproof vest," said Ali.
The activist stated that her group, which includes an imam and children, will march to confront rising antisemitism.
"But we’re fighting to take back our country, and it's a fight that every American should join," said Ali.
Ali expressed that her presence serves as a declaration of her religious and civic identity.
"I want to show I'm a proud Muslim," said Ali.
She mentioned her historical involvement in building ties between Muslim and Jewish communities despite facing backlash from critics.
"I try not to think about the threat, but about what we’re doing – standing with Israel’s right to exist," said Ali.
Ali spoke at an End Jew Hatred protest outside Gracie Mansion, where she directly addressed the mayor's choice to stay away from the parade.
"I'm now speaking at the height of antisemitism in America for my Jewish brothers and sisters," said Ali.
She argued that the mayor's actions have contributed to an uncomfortable environment for Jewish residents.
"Saying 'I'm a Muslim' does not give you, Mr. Mamdani, the right to make Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe," said Ali.
Ali further stated that public fear of harassment has limited open criticism of the administration.
"He's using the politics of intimidation," said Ali.
Members of the community noted that former mayors David Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams all maintained the tradition of marching.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul previously reassured religious leaders that the parade would always continue under any city administration.
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"They want this mayor out, but they fear that the moment they say something, they will be intimidated and harassed," said Ali.
