OAN Staff Jenna Lee
6:40 PM – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing intense criticism from Jewish organizations over his refusal to attend the city’s historic Israel Day Parade, a decision that comes as the Big Apple grapples with record levels of antisemitism.
Jewish New Yorkers have long considered the annual parade a vital public display of solidarity with both Israel and the Jewish community, as New York remains home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
Mamdani officially confirmed earlier this month that he would not attend the event, firmly standing by his choice despite surging antisemitism within the city. The highly-disputed decision is set against a backdrop of weeks-long anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues and Jewish communal institutions.
“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,” said Moshe Davis, former executive director of the mayor’s office to Combat Antisemitism under Mayor Eric Adams to Fox News.
“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,” said Mamdani in a statement.
GOP political figures, however, have slammed the mayor for the boycott. Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-N.Y.) heavily critiqued Mamdani, calling the decision clear evidence of his ‘hatred’ toward the Jewish population.
“Mamdani’s decision to snub the Israeli Day Parade demonstrates his deep disdain and hatred of the Jewish community,” Giuliani told The New York Post.
Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman (R-N.Y.), who is Jewish, echoed Giuliani’s fierce criticisms, claiming the mayor has “dropped the mask and shown his true colors of antisemitism.”
“While Jewish New Yorkers are being terrorized in the streets and attacked by radicals waving the inverted red triangle—the same symbol Hamas uses to mark targets for execution—the sitting mayor has chosen to side with them. For half a century, this parade has been a symbol of unity. Mamdani is shattering that tradition to signal support for those who want Israel off the map and Jews out of New York,” said Blakeman.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
Be the first to comment