'Disgraceful insult to New York’s Jewish community': Mamdani to skip attending the annual Israel Day Parade

In the face of a surge of antisemitism in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made the controversial decision to skip attending the annual Israel Day Parade.

Despite decades of tradition, New York City’s Democratic-Socialist mayor confirmed earlier this month that he would not attend the event that effectively shows solidarity with the Jewish community. Prominent Jewish leaders and organizations have blasted the mayor for his “affront” to the city, which is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.

Moshe Davis, who served as head of NYC’s first-ever Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under former Mayor Eric Adams, blasted Mamdani’s move to skip the May 31 event.

“Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations. 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,” Davis told Fox News Digital.

Assemblyman Michael Novakhov blasted Mamdani’s “disgraceful insult to New York’s Jewish community.”

“For decades, elected officials from both parties understood the importance of standing with New York’s Jewish community at the Israel Day Parade,” the Brooklyn Republican said in a statement. “Zohran Mamdani is choosing to boycott this event because he is more interested in appeasing radical antisemitic extremists than standing with Jewish New Yorkers.”

Zohran Mamdani has officially confirmed that he will boycott New York City’s Israel Day Parade — becoming the face of a Democratic Party now controlled by radical anti-Israel extremists.

After weeks of antisemitic chaos outside synagogues across our city, this should surprise… pic.twitter.com/rhKZzxZPU0

— Michael Novakhov (@MichaelforNY) May 13, 2026

In a statement Mandani had given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, he said: “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.”

“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,” the statement continued.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to attend the parade, which will likely “draw record turnout in response to Mamdani’s snub,” Fox News noted.

“The Israel Day Parade is a testament to 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. I want every New Yorker to join the Parade on Fifth Avenue because celebrating this bond isn’t just for the Jewish community, it’s for our entire city,” Mamdanis’ predecessor Eric Adams told Fox News Digital.

Mamdani’s “Jewish Heritage” celebration at Gracie Mansion was boycotted by Jewish groups and leaders in the city, notably the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

“We will not be attending the Jewish American Heritage Month celebration at Gracie Mansion, being hosted by a mayor who denies a core pillar of our heritage — the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people,” UJA Federation of New York said in a statement.

“It’s a really telling and concerning sign of where things stand in New York City right now,” CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council, Mark Treyger, told the New York Post.

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Frieda Powers

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.

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