New York City is set to witness a historic moment in the 61-year history of the annual Israel Day Parade. For the first time, a Muslim-led group will march alongside Jewish organizations, day schools, yeshivas and thousands of supporters of Israel on Fifth Avenue.

This month, a notable chapter in American interfaith relations is expected to unfold on the streets of Manhattan as a Muslim-led delegation publicly expresses its support for Israel during the Celebrate Israel Parade, one of New York City’s most prominent annual events.

Dr. Anila Ali — Pakistan-born founder, board chair, and president of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) — intends to lead a contingent of approximately 30 people through the iconic route alongside Central Park on May 31, 2026, for the parade’s 62nd edition. The development was first reported by Debra Nussbaum Cohen in an exclusive interview for JNS.org.

I want to walk with my Jewish Israeli American friendsTo celebrate Israel’s independent Day in New York@ammweccoalition @ammwecofficial @ZebunnesaZeba @FarhanaKhorshed@wajidasyed @imranigra @JNS_org Exclusive: For first time, Muslim group slated to march in Israel on… — Anila Ali (@anilaali) May 15, 2026

I want to walk with my Jewish Israeli American friendsTo celebrate Israel’s independent Day in New York@ammweccoalition @ammwecofficial @ZebunnesaZeba @FarhanaKhorshed@wajidasyed @imranigra @JNS_org

Exclusive: For first time, Muslim group slated to march in Israel on…

— Anila Ali (@anilaali) May 15, 2026

The decision carries profound symbolism at a moment when anti-Israel protesters have been disrupting Jewish neighborhoods and sowing fear in communities across the country. Dr. Ali was direct in her message: those voices do not represent all Muslims. She and many others stand with the Jewish community and with Israel’s right to exist.

After 9/11, the first faith community that reached out to us were the........

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