New York Governor Kathy Hochul has “strongly condemned” the participation of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the city’s annual pro-Israel parade.
In a post on X, Hochul said: “Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right extremist whose hateful and divisive rhetoric is fundamentally at odds with the values we hold dear in New York.”
Hochul added: “Yesterday’s parade was a celebration of Jewish pride, community, and unity. I strongly condemn his participation.”
Meanwhile, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend this year’s Israel Day on Fifth parade, becoming the first mayor in the event’s 61-year history not to take part.
Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right extremist whose hateful and divisive rhetoric is fundamentally at odds with the values we hold dear in New York.
