Story perspectives

NY Officials Slam Smotrich’s Parade Appearance as Extremist

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich attended the Israel Day Parade in New York City on June 1, 2026.
Governor Kathy Hochul denounced Smotrich as an extremist whose rhetoric clashes with New York values.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend, calling the ministers’ participation complicit in genocide.
Organizer Mark Treyger said Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) learned of Smotrich’s presence at parade’s end and faulted Israeli consulate lacking transparency.

History

Historical Context

On October 6 1973 Egypt and Syria launched the Yom Kippur War, prompting the United States to begin Operation Nickel Grass, which air-lifted about 22,325 tons of weapons to Israel and approved $2.2 billion in emergency aid. That aid created a precedent of U.S. scrutiny, evident today as Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich’s June 1 2026 York parade appearance draws criticism from Governor Hochul and the JCRC.

1 of 2

Story summary

Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich attended the Israel Day Parade in New York City on June 1, 2026.
Governor Kathy Hochul denounced Smotrich as an extremist whose rhetoric clashes with New York values.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend, calling the ministers’ participation complicit in genocide.
Organizer Mark Treyger said Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) learned of Smotrich’s presence at parade’s end and faulted Israeli consulate lacking transparency.

1 / 2