Israel Day Parade in NYC marked by heightened security and emotions

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Thousands of people are expected to line Fifth Avenue Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade. 

It’s the largest celebration of its kind outside of Israel, but this year’s parade comes with heightened emotions and security, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Calls for the return of Israeli hostages will continue as droves of Israeli New Yorkers march down Fifth Avenue. 

“We will march again this year with hostage families,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. “Some hostages are home. Many are still not, and we are not whole until we’re all home again.”

The march is a massive show of support for Israel and is the second major march up Fifth Avenue since the October 7th attacks in 2023. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the parade comes at a time of heightened tension around the world and here at home. 

“Since the October 7th attacks, there has been a notable increase in demonstrations and deeply personal emotions on all sides of the conflict,” said Tisch. “We’ve also seen an unacceptable uptick in anti-semitic threats and rhetoric.”

The NYPD announced plans to beef up security ahead of Sunday’s parade. The department laid out its security strategy saying it will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the parade or endanger those in attendance. The strategy includes street closures, banned items, and security screening locations.

Along the parade route, Melissa Levine posted photos of the remaining hostages Saturday evening — a quiet tribute and reminder of the somber reality behind the celebration.

“It is such an exciting day,” she said. “It’s a little bittersweet because we still have 58 hostages in captivity and until they’re home, we won’t rest. So yes, we’re celebrating Israel however we still are concerned about our loved ones in captivity.”

With barricades already up and a mobile command center ready, the city is locking in preparations for Sunday’s parade — and Mayor Eric Adams is rejecting calls to shut it down.

“There were a number of voices that stated we should not hold the parade, and we refused to succumb to those who want to have the city live in fear,” Adams said. “It will not happen, and we are going to ensure we have a safe acknowledgment of Israel’s Independence Day on Sunday.” 

The NYPD said there will be an increased police presence along the route, with drones also in the air. They’re urging everyone to stay alert and report anything suspicious to police.