The annual Israel Day Parade is this Sunday, and security will be tight. Thousands are set to attend, but Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not be among them.
Standing by the mayor’s side at One Police Plaza Thursday, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said she will march “proudly.”
She’ll be there to oversee everything that’s happening, and she’s walking in this parade as one of the honorary grand marshals. Tisch says that given everything that’s going on in the world, including the rise of antisemitism, security will be tight. “We are not messing around with security at this year’s parade,” she told reporters. “This Sunday, New Yorkers will see the most extensive security plan that the NYPD has ever put together.”
Double barricades are already up on Fifth Ave. Blockades are meant to protect Israel Day Parade marchers. But while the event should draw a large crowd, Mamdani confirmed he won’t be among those in attendance.
“I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government clear,” Mamdani said at the same briefing.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says that while Mayor Mamdani won’t attend, “it is my decision to march proudly.” (Image: NBC New York)
The mayor added that with or without him, police will be out in full force.
“As the mayor of our city, I take seriously the responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every New Yorker at every event, regardless of my attendance.”
Come Sunday, there will only be one way to get to the parade route. Like last year, all spectators will have to come in off of Madison Ave. There are 5 access points: 61st St., 63rd St., 66th St., 70th St., and 73rd St. If you’re going, give yourself extra time to get screened.
“If you think you are too important to be screened, don’t come. There will be no exceptions,” Tisch warned.
For safety reasons, weapons, backpacks, big bags, lawn chairs and any large banners or flags are not allowed.
And viewing space is limited. No one is allowed to watch from the west side of Fifth Ave. All the spots on the east side are first-come, first-served.
Like all high-profile events, the NYPD is shifting staffing to protect the celebration. Preparations ramped up, given growing tensions and persistent threats to the Jewish community. The parade organizer says he’s reviewed the police department’s plans and approves.
“Looking forward to a very safe, successful, and sunny Sunday parade,” said Mark Treyger with the Jewish Community Relations Council.
While Mayor Mamandi is skipping the parade, former Mayor Eric Adams isn’t. He went during all four years in office, and has announced he’ll be back. “I’ll be right there,” Adams said in an online video.
“It’s the mayor’s decision not to march,” Tisch said.
She added that anyone who gets through the security checkpoint can attend the parade. But those who enter the parade route itself will be arrested. Tisch also encouraged everyone to take public transportation because there will be many road closures.
