Mamdani won't attend Israel Day Parade, breaking decades-long mayoral tradition amid antisemitism surge
Democratic-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City is being slammed by Jewish groups for his decision to miss the city’s historic Israel Day Parade. His decision comes as the Big Apple wrestles with record levels of antisemitism.
Home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, Jewish New Yorkers have long viewed the annual parade as one of the city’s clearest public displays of solidarity with both the Jewish state and the community. On Tuesday, two of the city’s most prominent Jewish organizations declined an invitation to a Jewish heritage event held at Gracie Mansion in response to Mamdani’s latest snub.
"Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations. New York has historically been proud of its deep relationship with Israel. Not joining the parade is an affront to the history of New York City," Moshe Davis, former Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under Mayor Adams, told Fox News Digital.
NYC ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS NEARLY TRIPLE DESPITE OTHER CRIMES REACHING RECORD LOWS
Earlier this month Mamdani officially confirmed that he would not attend the event, despite soaring antisemitism in New York City and weeks of anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues and Jewish communal institutions across the city. Parade, organizers say the event on May 31st is expected to draw record turnout in response to Mamdani’s snub.
While the mayor had previously indicated during an Oct. 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he would likely not attend as a matter of political principle, his renewed public confirmation has led to growing criticism.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Mamdani’s office regarding the criticism from Jewish leaders over not attending the parade and were referred by his spokesman to a statement he had given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
"I look forward to joining and hosting many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city. 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. I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently."
Community leaders say the decision breaks with decades of bipartisan tradition in a city where participation in the parade has long been viewed as both symbolic and expected.
Despite the mayor declining the invitation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that she will participate in the parade.
Organizers say this year’s event is expected to feature more marching groups than ever before, driven not only by support for Israel but also by concern over rising antisemitism.
One person associated with the parade told Fox News Digital the event is expected to be "safer at the parade than in your own home," citing extensive security coordination surrounding this year’s march.
Still, much of the conversation surrounding the parade has centered on Mamdani’s absence.
SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER
During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani suggested he would likely "miss a lot" of New York City’s traditional parades due to his political views, while evaluating appearances "case-by-case."
Critics argue the Israel Day Parade is not simply another political event, but a longstanding civic tradition closely tied to New York City’s Jewish identity and history.
"The Israel Day Parade is a testament to one of New York City's most important relationships. From healthcare to technology to innovation, Israel and New York City are partners in building a better future. I want every New Yorker to join the Parade on Fifth Avenue because celebrating this bond isn't just for the Jewish community, it's for our entire city," former Mayor of New York City Eric Adams told Fox News Digital.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani has also widened beyond the parade itself, with the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York declining to attend his first Jewish Heritage event for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Shavuot at Gracie Mansion, stating they would not participate in an event hosted by a mayor who "denies the core pillar of our heritage, the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people."
At the event, Mamdani acknowledged the scale of antisemitism facing the city’s Jewish population, stating, "Jewish New Yorkers, accounting for just nearly 12% of our city’s population, are also the targets of more than 50% of all hate crimes."
He also announced a proposed $26 million annual investment toward expanding hate crime prevention efforts under the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. Details of the proposal were not clear at how he would tackle antisemitism at time of publication.
Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Trump's special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, told Fox News Digital when asked about Mamdani's position that, "It is important we recognize the need for leaders to uphold their responsibility to protect religious freedom and refrain from making incendiary comments that contribute to the rise of antisemitism. Leaders who fail to do so bear responsibility for the increase in antisemitic activity."
This year’s parade is also expected to feature expanded interfaith participation. In a first for the event’s 61-year history, some Muslim groups are slated to march alongside Jewish organizations, in addition to expanded participation from Asian American groups and others.