NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Security will be tighter than ever at this year’s Israel Day Parade in New York City as officials prepare for large crowds and heightened global tensions.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual event on Sunday along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The parade comes at a time of growing concern about antisemitism and public safety. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the New York Police Department will deploy its most extensive security plan ever for the event.
“We are not messing around with security at this year’s parade,” Tisch said Thursday during a briefing at One Police Plaza.
The event also marks a major political shift. Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed he will not attend the parade. It will be the first time in more than 60 years that a sitting New York City mayor has skipped the event. Mamdani said he made the decision during his campaign and continues to stand by it.
“I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government clear,” Mamdani told reporters. Still, Mamdani stressed that public safety remains a top priority for his administration.
“As the mayor of our city, I take seriously the responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every New Yorker at every event, regardless of my attendance,” he said.
Tisch will attend the parade as one of the honorary grand marshals. She said the NYPD has spent months preparing for the event because of ongoing threats against Jewish communities around the world.
The police department has already placed double barricades along sections of Fifth Avenue. Officials said the barriers will help protect marchers and spectators from possible threats. Security checkpoints will also return this year. Spectators may only enter the parade viewing area from Madison Avenue through five designated access points at 61st Street, 63rd Street, 66th Street, 70th Street, and 73rd Street. Police officials urged attendees to arrive early because all visitors must go through security screening before entering the area.
“If you think you are too important to be screened, don’t come. There will be no exceptions,” Tisch said.
Officials banned several items from the parade route for safety reasons. Attendees may not bring weapons, backpacks, large bags, lawn chairs, or oversized banners and flags.
Viewing space will also remain limited. Spectators may only watch the parade from the east side of Fifth Avenue. Officials said all viewing spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The NYPD plans to increase staffing levels across Manhattan during the event. Police leaders said they are shifting resources to support crowd control, traffic management, and anti-terror operations.
Authorities also encouraged people to use public transportation because many streets near the parade route will be closed throughout the day. The Israel Day Parade has long served as one of the largest public celebrations of Israeli culture and support for Israel in the United States. The annual event often draws political leaders, community groups, and thousands of supporters from across the region.
This year’s parade arrives during a period of rising political tensions linked to the war in the Middle East. Demonstrations connected to the conflict have increased in New York City over the past year, leading to stronger security measures at Jewish events and institutions. Mark Treyger of the Jewish Community Relations Council said organizers have reviewed the city’s security plans and support the measures in place.
“Looking forward to a very safe, successful, and sunny Sunday parade,” Treyger said.
Former Mayor Eric Adams also confirmed he plans to attend the parade. Adams participated in the event during all four years of his time in office.
“I’ll be right there,” Adams said in a video posted online.
Tisch said anyone who passes through security checkpoints may attend the parade peacefully. However, she warned that police will arrest anyone who enters the parade route itself without authorization. City officials expect strong attendance despite the heavy security presence and political controversy surrounding the mayor’s absence. Organizers and police leaders said their focus remains on ensuring a safe and orderly event for everyone involved.
