Parade for Israel in NYC emphasizes solidarity amidst the Gaza War shadow

I was fortunate to meet Harley Lippman and participate in the Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue this Sunday. The annual event celebrates support for Israel and its people and takes place on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Harley Lippman, the Grand Marshal of the parade, is one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met.

Harley is known for his significant contributions to the Jewish community and his support for Israel. As the CEO of Genesis10, an IT consulting firm, he has been instrumental in fostering relationships between Israel and its Arab neighbors, particularly through his support for normalization agreements. During the parade, he stopped on every block and treated all the spectators even with all the crazy security this year.

The event, which has been running for over five decades, showcases solidarity with Israel, especially in challenging times like the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7th. The parade features a variety of activities and participants from various backgrounds who march together to express their love and support for Israel.

The event was attended by thousands of people, including the relatives of the hostages. They marched with signs and wore t-shirts demanding the return of the hostages. The parade had heightened security measures, with increased police presence and road closures due to the large number of participants and recent security concerns.

The parade was not short on star power. Israeli Eurovision singer Eden Golan received huge cheers as she joined the march. Golan's presence added a touch of glamour to the event, reminding attendees of the cultural ties that bind the global Jewish community.

Politicians from both the United States and Israel were also in attendance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams all participated, demonstrating their support for Israel and the Jewish community. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Simcha Rothman, a member of the Knesset for the far-right Religious Zionist Party, also joined the parade, highlighting the international scope of the event.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a prominent figure in New York politics, was an active participant in the 2024 Israel Day Parade. Inna Vernikov's presence at the parade was a symbol of her dedication to the Jewish community and her efforts to ensure their voices are heard in the political landscape

The parade's theme, "Am Echad, Lev Echad: One People, One Heart," emphasized the Jewish people's unity and shared identity. It was a call for solidarity in the face of adversity and a reminder of the strength that comes from standing together.

A significant part of the parade was dedicated to the call to "Bring Them Home." The parade saw the participation of 2,000 people in a delegation advocating for the release of hostages. This included family members of hostages, who marched with a banner that read "Bring Them Home." The presence of these families was a poignant reminder of the human toll of terror and the urgent need for action.

The counter-protesters have varied in their approach, with some engaging in peaceful demonstrations and others resorting to more aggressive tactics. For instance, a video from 2024 showed an unhinged counter-protester shouting at participants, reflecting the intensity of emotions surrounding the parade.

Despite these disruptions, the parade has largely been a peaceful event, drawing tens of thousands of participants and featuring a wide array of attendees, including politicians, celebrities, and the families of hostages. The parade has served as a platform for expressing support for Israel, advocating for the release of hostages, and calling for peace in the region.

Was great to see Ritchie Torres, a U.S. Representative from New York, who marched with a delegation from SAR Academy, a Bronx Jewish day school in his district, showcasing his support for Israel and the Jewish community. Torres has been known for his staunch support of Israel, often backing the country's actions. His participation in the parade reflects his commitment to standing with Israel and advocating for peace and the release of hostages.

While this year's parade may be less festive in tone than in other years, it is just as important, if not more important, to come together and show our love and support for Israel and its people and culture. We are truly one people, one heart.