Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThousands of Jewish and Israeli Americans participate in the annual Israeli Day Parade, the world's largest pro-Israel parade (Getty)New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani notably missed the annual Israel Day parade, breaking with a long-standing political tradition for the city's leaders. His absence underscores his vocal support for Palestinian rights and follows his office's release of a video acknowledging the Nakba, the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. Mamdani had previously stated he would not attend the parade, making his views on the Israeli government clear, though he assured a robust police presence for the event. The decision has reignited criticism from opponents who interpret his stance as antisemitic, with Rabbi Marc Schneier calling it “a slap in the face to all Jewish New Yorkers”. While Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, advocates for Palestinian rights, he also affirms Israel's right to exist and pledges to protect Jewish New Yorkers. In fullMamdani sparks fury among Jewish New Yorkers after snubbing city’s Israel parade: ‘Slap in the face’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend an annual parade honoring Israel. The fierce defender of Palestinian human rights is skipping the event as he remains under…

A mayor who will not stand with his Jewish constituents on their proudest public day, because standing there would tie him to the existence of Israel, has told them plainly what…

Mamdani is believed to be the first sitting mayor in more than six decades to skip the event for political reasons.

Mayors in New York City, which has Americas largest Jewish population, have long been visible supporters of Israel, often visiting the country.