MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Thousands of people gathered for the 59th Israel Day on Fifth Parade, the world’s largest celebration in support of the Jewish community.
This year, it was not about the music or the festival-like atmosphere. Instead, with heightened security, it was more about showcasing solidarity following the Oct. 7 attack.
“Bring them home. Bring them home now!” Those words echoed all over Fifth Avenue this Sunday Afternoon at the Annual Israel Day on Fifth Parade.
“I am here for Just one reason: to support the hostages,” said one of the spectators.
The blue and white flag fluttered with pride as thousands of participants and spectators demanded the immediate release of the hostages still being held in Gaza.
Noa Argamani, 26, is one of them.
“Her mother is very sick with brain cancer. She was supposed to be here with me. But couldn’t be here. Her mother to see Noa even for one time, this is her wish because we don’t have time,” said Argamani’s cousin, Ravid Ohad.
She was taken from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7.
“We will dance again. We will dance again,” chanted during the parade a group of people that did make it out of the festival as a symbol of hope.
“We are nova survivors, and we’ll dance again,’ said a survivor.
Security was intensified both on the ground and up in the air.
“Bring them home now. We stand together, united as a state that says, ‘Let these families be in peace. Let them be with their loved ones. Let that happen not a day longer,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Chuck Schumer, Mayor Erick Adams, and other community leaders participated in the parade.
The parade has been held since 1964, but those who attended Sunday’s parade said it was more important than ever to be here this year.
For Razi Shaley, It was a way of giving some strength to his niece, Daniella Gilboa. Hamas captured a 20-year-old Israeli soldier.
"Hold on, we will get you released; we will go to the end of the world, Daniella,” he said.
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