Thousands of participants, marching bands, and floats paraded through Manhattan on Sunday for the 2026 Israel Day Parade, an annual cultural event along Fifth Avenue.
The procession ran from 62nd Street to 74th Street between 11:30 a. m.
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and 4 p. m.
, marking Israel's 78th anniversary under the theme "Proud Americans, Proud Zionists."
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend, making him the first mayor to skip the parade since its founding in 1964.
His absence drew criticism from Jewish community leaders.
Mamdani stated he looks forward to hosting community events celebrating Jewish life in New York. He emphasized his absence did not affect security or permits for the parade.
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"While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety," Mamdani said.
In contrast, New York Governor Kathy Hochul attended the procession, according to FOX News.
The New York Police Department implemented extensive security measures, closing major thoroughfares for parade formation and dispersal.
Spectators were prohibited from bringing backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, coolers, and drones into viewing zones.
Access points were limited to specific cross-streets off Madison Avenue on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Pedestrian crossings across Fifth Avenue were restricted to East 51st, 59th, and 79th streets once the march began.
