Story perspectives

NYC Mayor Skips Israel Parade, Sparks Political Outcry

6/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first New York City mayor in six decades to skip the Israel Day Parade on Sunday.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, honorary grand marshal, said the NYPD will deploy its largest counter-terrorism team, dogs, helicopters and extensive screening.
Jewish leaders, Israeli officials and several Republican lawmakers condemned the mayor’s decision while Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and other city officials attended.

History

Historical Context

Since a 1965 impromptu march for David Ben Gurion, every New York mayor attended the Fifth Avenue parade, which drew about 10,000 spectators in its 1970 debut celebrating the Six-Day War. In 2024 Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend, while Governor Kathy Hochul and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch organized a large security deployment, foreshadowing the 2026 break in the mayoral attendance streak.

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Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first New York City mayor in six decades to skip the Israel Day Parade on Sunday.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, honorary grand marshal, said the NYPD will deploy its largest counter-terrorism team, dogs, helicopters and extensive screening.
Jewish leaders, Israeli officials and several Republican lawmakers condemned the mayor’s decision while Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and other city officials attended.

1 / 2