New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Thursday vowed a record level of security for Sunday’s annual Israel parade in the city, despite Mamdani not attending due to his opposition to Israel.

“While I will not be attending, our administration has been preparing for weeks to ensure the parade is safe,” Mamdani said at a press briefing. “I take seriously my responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every New Yorker and every event, regardless of my attendance.”

“I look forward to this parade occurring seamlessly and peacefully,” he said.

Mamdani, who is in his first year in office, will be breaking a major precedent, after New York City mayors have attended every year’s Israel Day Parade for decades alongside other state and local leaders.

The parade has seen tens of thousands march down Manhattan’s 5th Avenue in previous years, led by the state and city’s political leadership. Marching groups often include Jewish nonprofits, non-Jewish allies, dancing troupes, identity groups, and thousands of children from Jewish day schools.

Tisch, a prominent Jewish centrist, said she will be “honored” to walk with other dignitaries in the parade, which has the theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.”

“I’m so excited to march with you,” she said in Hebrew. Citing the rise in antisemitism and the dozens of recent attacks against Jews in the US, Canada and Europe, she said that, “We are not messing around with security at this year’s parade.”

“The NYPD has one of the most robust municipal........

© The Times of Israel