Mamdani explains why he will not attend Israel Day Parade

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:00]All right, something that's a tradition here in New York City, the Israel Day on 5th parade. It is happening this Sunday, but the mayor will not be there.

[00:00:10]>> He will not be there. He says it's part of a campaign promise. He will be the first mayor not to attend in decades.

[00:00:16]Jessica Formoso joins us with what the mayor is saying, the reason why.

[00:00:19]Jessica, good morning.

[00:00:20]>> Good morning, Dana and Rosanna. This year's parade is unfolding against an especially charged political backdrop.

[00:00:25]Mayor Momdani will be the first mayor in more than 60 years not to attend the parade. The parade has traditionally been one of solidarity and union among politicians on both sides of the aisle, but the wars in Gaza and Lebanon and the rising concerns over anti-Semitism across the city have divided New Yorkers. Since on the campaign trail to become mayor, Momdani made it clear that he's pro-Palestinian and has accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza. The mayor and police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, talking security preps for the parade on Thursday. Tisch, who is Jewish, will be attending the parade as she is this year's grand marshal, clearly noting their different political views. The mayor says despite his personal feelings about Israel, he will still be involved in making sure the parade is safe and secure.

[00:01:15]>> I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn't be attending the parade, and I've made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear.

[00:01:23]Um and I also said on that same campaign that I would have a responsibility as the mayor of the city to ensure the safety and security of each and every New Yorker.

[00:01:33]>> And I'm incredibly proud to walk up 5th Avenue with you and members of the NYPD Shomrim Society this Sunday.

[00:01:42]>> Let's talk security. The NYPD says the parade will have the largest security operation in the event's history. Police Commissioner Tisch says there are no known specific or credible threats.

[00:01:51]However, with the result of a heightened threat environment due to Israel's wars and a rise in anti-Semitism. She says they are taking they are not taking any chances. You will see an increased police presence including counterterrorism teams and officers along the entire route and surrounding area.

[00:02:11]>> The NYPD has one of the most robust municipal counterterrorism capabilities of any city in the world and I am bringing all of that to bear for this year's parade. This Sunday New Yorkers will see the most extensive security plan that the NYPD has ever put together for the Salute to Israel Parade including the largest number of officers ever assigned to that detail. Included in that security plan will be the most heavy weapons teams ever, robust camera camera coverage of the area and comprehensive screening of everyone entering the parade route including spectators, vendors, participants and the press.

[00:02:49]>> Now back to who we can expect to see at the parade. Governor Kathy Hochul expected to attend as well as a city council speaker and former Mayor Eric Adams. The police commissioner was asked if she had any concerns about the mayor not attending. She said quote, "It's the mayor's decision not to march and it's my decision to march proudly." She also said she will not tolerate any disruptions to the parade and anyone who enters the parade route unauthorized will be arrested. Rosanna, Dan.

[00:03:18]>> And she means it. All right, thanks so much Jessica.