Israel (Washington Insider Magazine)— a demonstration of unity and support, thousands of people gathered Sunday morning for the annual parade for Israel in New York City on Sunday. The event, held under heightened security, featured marchers chanting for the release of hostages in Gaza, a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict.
Security and Participation
The parade took place nearly eight months after the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of about 250 individuals. There are still about 100 hostages in Gaza, plus the bodies of about 30 more. This year’s “Celebrate Israel” procession was held up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, with participants waving Israeli flags and yelling, “Bring them home now!” The usually boisterous atmosphere was rather muted.
Heightened Security Measures
According to ABCnews, Spectators lined the route, which was heavily secured with hundreds of police officers and steel barricades. A sign reading “From the river to the sea, Hamas will cease to be” was among the many seen along the parade path. The New York Police Department used security tactics usually saved for high-profile occasions, such as bike patrols, drones, K-9 units, fencing, barricades, and spectator entry points that are specifically marked for spectators. It was forbidden for attendees to bring coolers, big bags, or backpacks, and they had to go through metal detectors. As of late Sunday afternoon, no arrests connected to the procession had been made.
Messages of Unity and Peace
Rena Orman, a Bronx native participating with Mothers Against College Antisemitism, stressed the importance of showing unity this year, especially after the October 7 attacks. “Everybody wants hostages back. Everyone wants this to end. No one is cheering for this. Everyone wants peace,” Orman said.
Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council, highlighted that the event focused on solidarity, strength, and resilience rather than celebration. “This is not a mood of confetti and music,” Treyger stated. “This is more of a mood of unwavering, ironclad solidarity with hostages to bring them home, and also our unwavering love and pride in our Jewish identity.”
Political Support and Statements
The parade, now in its 59th year, commenced late Sunday morning with several notable elected officials in attendance, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Eric Adams. Michael Garber, a participant from New Jersey, underscored the importance of showing support amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “It’s important — especially with what’s going on in the Middle East, in Israel with the war going on — to show our support and to show that the hostages aren’t forgotten and the country itself is not forgotten,” Garber said.
Context of the Conflict
This event marked the first large-scale Jewish gathering in the city since the war began, amid numerous protests related to the conflict. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 36,430 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza by Israel’s offensive, with the figures not differentiating between civilians and combatants. Israel faces increasing international criticism over its actions in Gaza, blaming Hamas for civilian casualties by operating from dense residential areas.
