New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani boycotts pro-Israel annual parade

New York (Web Desk) New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not take part in the city’s annual pro-Israel parade on Sunday, making him the first mayor in over 60 years to boycott the event.

As New York’s first Muslim mayor, Mamdani has repeatedly expressed criticism of Israel’s policies. He has previously alleged that Israel is carrying out genocide in Gaza and has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested if he were to visit New York City.

His decision to stay away from the parade comes at a time of growing political change in the United States, where public sentiment toward Israel has shifted in recent years. The move also highlights the widening divide within the Democratic Party over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

While Mamdani was absent, a number of prominent officials joined the march through Manhattan, including Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Speaking to reporters as the event got underway, Hochul said those participating were marching “in defiance.”

Although the parade has operated under different titles throughout its history, it has traditionally been considered a key event for elected officials seeking to connect with New York’s sizable Jewish community. Attendance has long been regarded as an important political tradition for mayors, governors and other public figures.

Mamdani, however, had signaled his intentions well in advance. Earlier this month, his administration released a video recognizing the Nakba, an Arabic term meaning “catastrophe,” which refers to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that followed the establishment of Israel.

During a press briefing on Thursday, the mayor said he had openly stated throughout his election campaign that he would not attend the parade and that his position on the Israeli government was already well known.

Despite his absence, Mamdani assured residents that city authorities had made extensive preparations to ensure the event proceeded safely. He emphasized that a strong police presence would be in place to maintain order and allow the parade to take place without disruption.

As per the reports, the mayor said his administration had spent weeks coordinating security measures so participants could gather and march in a peaceful environment.

Support for Israel among Americans has declined significantly in recent years, with criticism intensifying amid widespread outrage over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.