Overview
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani reaffirmed this week that he will not attend the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade but said the city will provide security and permits for the event.
- Brooklyn Assembly Member Michael Novakhov called the decision a disgraceful insult and labeled it a boycott, a term the mayor has not used to describe his stance.
- Organizers say a Muslim-led interfaith group headed by Anila Ali plans to march, which is believed to be a first, and she expects about 30 participants.
- Mamdani proposed a $26 million budget for the city’s Office to Prevent Hate Crimes, drawing praise from the Anti-Defamation League, as officials focus on protecting Jewish communities and public events.
- The parade is set for Sunday, May 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fifth Avenue between 62nd and 74th streets, with the theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists,” and recent mayors have traditionally appeared, including Eric Adams last year.