NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – New York City’s 59th annual Israel Day parade kicks off Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Fifth Avenue, and this year it will include increased security and street closures.
The parade is expected to draw more than 40,000 participants, including Israeli dignitaries, celebrities and some of the hostages' families.
The parade in the past was dubbed “Celebrate Israel,” but organizers said the exuberant atmosphere would be paused this year given the war and Israeli hostages still being held in captivity, as well as outbursts of antisemitism worldwide. The parade is now called “Israel Day on Fifth.”
“This is not a mood of confetti and music,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council. “This is more of a mood of unwavering, ironclad solidarity with hostages to bring them home, and also our unwavering love and pride in our Jewish identity.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Israel Day parade on Fifth Avenue:
Israel Day Parade Route:
The parade will kick off on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and make its way to Fifth Avenue and 74th Street.
Where to enter the Israel Day Parade:
There are public entry points along Madison Avenue on East 61st, 63rd, 66th, 70th and 73rd Streets, according to the NYPD. Backpacks, umbrellas, lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and large bags are not permitted.
These streets will be closed during the Israel Day parade in NYC:
- 5th Avenue between 52nd Street and 55th Street
- West 52nd Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
- East/West 52nd Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 53rd Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 54th Street between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
- East/West 55th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
- East/West 56th Street between Park Avenue and 6th Avenue
- 5th Avenue between 52nd Street and 74th Street
- 5th Avenue between 74th Street and 79th Street
- East 74th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 75th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 76th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 77th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
- East 78th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
The NYPD will have increased security Sunday during the Israel Day parade, especially given the huge number of protests across the city in recent months, officials said.
Security will include an increased police presence around points of entry and along the parade route, according to Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
Police officials said they will also ensure peoples’ freedom of expression.
“This Sunday kicks off our parade season and every one of these events is an opportunity for people to celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our city great,” Caban said.
PIX11's Ben Mitchell contributed to this report.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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