NYC Mayor Mamdani Breaks Tradition, Skips Israel Day Parade Amid Rising Antisemitism Concerns

New York City’s Democratic-Socialist Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is facing backlash from Jewish communities for opting out of attending the city’s historic Israel Day Parade. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of increasing antisemitic incidents in the city.

New York City, which hosts the largest Jewish population outside Israel, has long seen the annual parade as a significant expression of support for both Israel and the Jewish community. Consequently, two major Jewish organizations in the city declined an invitation to a Jewish heritage event at Gracie Mansion this week, protesting Mamdani’s absence from the parade.

“Since the inaugural Israel Parade in 1964, every sitting Mayor of New York City has participated in the celebrations. New York has always been proud of its close ties with Israel. The mayor’s absence is a slight to the city’s historical relationship,” said Moshe Davis, who served as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under Mayor Adams, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Earlier this month, Mamdani confirmed he would not be attending the parade, despite the rising tide of antisemitism and ongoing anti-Israel protests outside synagogues and Jewish community centers throughout the city. Organizers anticipate that the parade on May 31st will attract a record number of attendees, spurred by Mamdani’s decision.

The mayor had previously suggested in an October 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that his absence was a matter of political principle. However, his recent public confirmation has intensified criticism from various quarters.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Mamdani’s office regarding the criticism from Jewish leaders over not attending the parade and were referred by his spokesman to a statement he had given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

“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.”

Community leaders say the decision breaks with decades of bipartisan tradition in a city where participation in the parade has long been viewed as both symbolic and expected.

Despite the mayor declining the invitation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that she will participate in the parade.

Organizers say this year’s event is expected to feature more marching groups than ever before, driven not only by support for Israel but also by concern over rising antisemitism.

One person associated with the parade told Fox News Digital the event is expected to be “safer at the parade than in your own home,” citing extensive security coordination surrounding this year’s march.

Still, much of the conversation surrounding the parade has centered on Mamdani’s absence.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani suggested he would likely “miss a lot” of New York City’s traditional parades due to his political views, while evaluating appearances “case-by-case.”

Critics argue the Israel Day Parade is not simply another political event, but a longstanding civic tradition closely tied to New York City’s Jewish identity and history.

“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,” former Mayor of New York City Eric Adams told Fox News Digital.

Anti-Israel activists protest outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, on April 7, 2025. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The controversy surrounding Mamdani has also widened beyond the parade itself, with the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York declining to attend his first Jewish Heritage event for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Shavuot at Gracie Mansion, stating they would not participate in an event hosted by a mayor who “denies the core pillar of our heritage, the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.”

At the event, Mamdani acknowledged the scale of antisemitism facing the city’s Jewish population, stating, “Jewish New Yorkers, accounting for just nearly 12% of our city’s population, are also the targets of more than 50% of all hate crimes.”

He also announced a proposed $26 million annual investment toward expanding hate crime prevention efforts under the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. Details of the proposal were not clear at how he would tackle antisemitism at time of publication.

Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Trump’s special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, told Fox News Digital when asked about Mamdani’s position that, “It is important we recognize the need for leaders to uphold their responsibility to protect religious freedom and refrain from making incendiary comments that contribute to the rise of antisemitism. Leaders who fail to do so bear responsibility for the increase in antisemitic activity.”

This year’s parade is also expected to feature expanded interfaith participation. In a first for the event’s 61-year history, some Muslim groups are slated to march alongside Jewish organizations, in addition to expanded participation from Asian American groups and others.