Mamdani skips Israel Day Parade despite joining other cultural celebrations
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won't be attending the city's annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, a break from decades-long tradition, despite attending other events celebrating the city's diverse cultural...
By Fox News · Fox News
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won't be attending the city's annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, a break from decades-long tradition, despite attending other events celebrating the city's diverse cultural landscape. Since 1964, every mayor in the city has attended the Jewish celebration, which comes amid record levels of antisemitism and weeks of anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues and Jewish communal institutions across New York. Despite his absence, the mayor pledged to provide security and the necessary permits for the safety of those who will be participating. MAMDANI WON'T ATTEND ISRAEL DAY PARADE, BREAKING DECADES-LONG MAYORAL TRADITION AMID ANTISEMITISM SURGE Mamdani indicated that he would not attend as a matter of political principle. He has voiced frequent criticism of Israel following the Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish state and, upon taking office in January, scrapped an order that barred city agencies from participating in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. "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's spokesman told 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." Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor's office. MAMDANI REFERENCES PALESTINIAN 'GENOCIDE' DURING ST PATRICK'S DAY EVENT Despite his stance against Israel, the mayor has participated in other celebrations, including this year's St. Patrick's Day celebration, during which he compared the historic plight of the Irish to the "genocide" in Palestine amid Israel's war with Hamas. At the city's Lunar New Year Parade in March, Mamdan…