By Hank Russell
Local officials accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he recently announced that he would not march in the Israel Day Parade on Fifth this Sunday. According to news reports, this breaks years of tradition of mayors, regardless of political party, marching in the parade.
According to amNY, the parade will take place on May 31. The route will entail going down Fifth Avenue from 62nd Street to 74th Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.”
When asked by media outlets why Mamdani was not participating in the parade, a spokesperson referred them to a statement from 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,” Mamdsni stated. “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.”
However, local officials expressed their anger at Mamdani for snubbing the event.
“By boycotting the Israel Day on Fifth Parade, Zohran Mamdani has finally dropped the mask and shown his true colors of antisemitism,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is also running against Kathy Hochul for governor. “While Jewish New Yorkers are being terrorized in the streets and attacked by radicals waving the inverted red triangle — the same symbol Hamas uses to mark targets for execution — the sitting Mayor has chosen to side with them.”
Blakeman said he will march in the parade, which has been “a symbol of unity” for more than 50 years. He accused Mamdani of “shattering that tradition to signal support for those who want Israel off the map and Jews out of New York.” Blakeman continued.
“Mayor Mamdani has shown time and time again that he is no friend to Jewish New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Daniel Norber (R,C-Great Neck), who previously served in the Israeli Defense Force. “He masks his animosity by stating he only opposes Israel’s war in Gaza, but when it comes to defending the Jewish citizens in New York City, he has done nothing to protect them from rising hate crimes, violence and harassment.”
Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) was more blunt. “I have no use for politicians who fan the flames of prejudice against any minority, including [President Donald] Trump, Blakeman, and Mamdani,” he said.
“While Mamdani endorses the intimidation of his own citizens, I have never been more proud of my Jewish faith, and I have never been more determined to show it,” Blakeman said. “As one of the highest-ranking Jewish officials in the country, I am marching to send a clear message: our light will always be stronger than their hate, and we will never apologize for our faith or our friendship with Israel.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the mayor’s office for comment, but did not hear back as of press time.