Mamdani skips annual parade celebrating Israel

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday did not attend the city’s annual Israel Day parade, a notable absence that broke with political tradition.

Not appearing at the spectacle along Fifth Avenue was something Mamdani said he would do days in advance. He reminded New Yorkers at a press conference on Thursday that he “said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending the parade, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear.”

Mamdani said he would ensure the parade commenced “seamlessly and peacefully,” with a strong police presence. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, was among those in attendance.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who attended the parade, blasted Mamdani during an interview with CBS News.

“I think it’s absolutely disgraceful that the mayor of New York City, a city that has the largest Jewish population outside of the state of Israel, chose not to be here,” Lawler said.

But allies of Mamdani’s, including former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who is Jewish, also chose not to take part in the parade.........

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