ByTZVI JASPERMAY 31, 2026 17:38Former prime minister Naftali Bennett condemned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision not to attend the annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, calling it "cowardly.""At a time when Jews are being harassed, attacked in the streets, and told to hide or apologize for who they are, choosing to march is an act of courage," Bennett declared in a post on X/Twitter. "It is a declaration that Jews will not be intimidated and that the Jewish state will not disappear because others wish it would."Mamdani's lack of attendance, he said, sent a message."To him, I would say: leadership means showing up for all New Yorkers, including the Jews who call this city home," Bennett said, adding, "To every Jewish New Yorker marching today, and to every ally standing beside them: thank you. Your support is felt in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai."Mamdani confirmed he would not be attending the Israel Parade last week, making him the first NYC mayor not to participate since 1964.In 2024, Mamdani did attend the parade, posting on X/Twitter that he would "always stand by our Jewish brothers and sisters."Netanyahu celebrates Jewish New YorkersPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also marked the Israel Day Parade on Sunday, saying that the people of Israel "embrace Jewish New Yorkers and friends of Jewish New Yorkers.""For more than 3,000 years, Zion, Jerusalem's second name, and Zionism – attachment to Jerusalem and the land of Israel – have been foundations of Jewish identity," he said.Netanyahu did not mention Mamdani, but also concluded his post with the declaration "Am Yisrael Chai!"Amid strong hostility towards Israel in recent times, the New York Police Department announced that all Israel Day Parade attendees would be screened for prohibited items, including weapons, drones, and large bags, parcels, backpacks, and coolers.They also warned that road closures and delays were expected in the area of the parade, and that spectators would only be allowed entry from specific points.Mamdani, in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), had previously stated that "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."Muslim interfaith activist to lead delegation in Israel paradeA prominent Muslim interfaith activist plans to lead what organizers say will be the first Muslim delegation to participate in the Israel Day Parade, despite receiving threats and criticism for publicly supporting Israel and the Jewish community, according to the New York Post.Anila Ali, a Pakistani-born civil rights advocate and founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, told the newspaper she intends to march alongside dozens of Muslim supporters, including an imam and several children.Mathilda Heller and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.Follow us on Google