Mamdani to skip Israel Day Parade, buck decades-long tradition of mayoral attendance

New York City socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he will not attend the city’s annual Israel Day Parade set to take place on Sunday, May 31.

Mamdani’s decision to skip the parade is contrary to a decades-long tradition of mayoral participation, as every New York City mayor since 1964 has attended. Despite not attending, the mayor pledged to provide security and the necessary permits for those participating.

"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," Mamdani said in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

"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," the statement continued. "I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently."

Mamdani’s refusal to participate in the Israel Day Parade follows his participation in other ethnic celebrations in the city, including the St. Patrick's Day celebration earlier this year and the city’s Lunar New Year Parade in March. Mamdani has been a vocal opponent of Israel, having previously accused the country of committing genocide in Gaza.

While campaigning, Mamdani said he would not attend the parade if elected. He reiterated this stance in a press conference, saying he has made his views on the Israeli government “abundantly clear.”

The parade is set to include thousands of attendees with tight security. While standing alongside Mamdani, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said she will “proudly” attend and ensure safety at the event, where she will serve as a grand marshal.

"We are not messing around with security at this year's parade," Tisch told reporters. “This Sunday, New Yorkers will see the most extensive security plan that the NYPD has ever put together.”