NYC Mayor Mamdani skips Israel Day Parade amid rising antisemitism

Democratic-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City is facing criticism from Jewish organizations after confirming he will skip the city’s annual Israel Day Parade.

The parade, scheduled for May 31, has drawn every sitting mayor since it began in 1964. Jewish groups say the event is one of the city’s clearest public displays of support for Israel and the local Jewish community.

Two major Jewish organizations declined an invitation to a Jewish heritage event at Gracie Mansion in response to Mamdani’s decision. Moshe Davis, former executive director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under Mayor Adams, said the absence breaks with long-standing tradition.

“Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations,” Davis told Fox News Digital. “New York has historically been proud of its deep relationship with Israel. Not joining the parade is an affront to the history of New York City.”

Mamdani confirmed earlier this month that he would not attend, despite record levels of antisemitism in the city and weeks of anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues. Parade organizers say the event is expected to draw record turnout.

Mamdani had previously signaled in an October 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he would likely skip the parade on principle. His office referred questions about the decision to a statement he gave to the 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,” Mamdani said. “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.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed she will attend the parade. Organizers say this year’s event will include more marching groups than ever, citing both support for Israel and concern over rising antisemitism.

One person involved with the parade told Fox News Digital the event is expected to be “safer at the parade than in your own home,” pointing to extensive security coordination.

During his campaign, Mamdani said he would likely miss many traditional parades and would evaluate each appearance case by case. Critics say the Israel Day Parade is not just another political event but a civic tradition tied to the city’s Jewish identity.

Former Mayor Eric Adams said the parade reflects one of New York City’s most important relationships. “From healthcare to technology to innovation, Israel and New York City are partners in building a better future,” Adams told Fox News Digital.

The UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York also declined to attend Mamdani’s first Jewish Heritage event at Gracie Mansion for the holiday of Shavuot. They said they would not participate in an event hosted by a mayor who “denies the core pillar of our heritage, the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.”

At the event, Mamdani noted that Jewish New Yorkers make up nearly 12 percent of the city’s population but are the targets of more than 50 percent of all hate crimes. He proposed a $26 million annual investment to expand hate crime prevention efforts.

Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, President Trump’s special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, said leaders have a responsibility to protect religious freedom and avoid comments that fuel antisemitism.

This year’s parade will also include expanded interfaith participation. For the first time in the event’s 61-year history, some Muslim groups are scheduled to march alongside Jewish organizations.