Mamdani, who won't attend New York's Israel parade, vows tight security

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he will not attend Sunday’s annual Israel parade but that his administration has prepared for weeks to keep the event safe. He said protecting the safety and well-being of every New Yorker applies regardless of attendance. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who is Jewish, said she will march with other dignitaries and emphasized the need for strong security amid rising antisemitism and recent attacks against Jews in multiple countries. She said the NYPD will apply its municipal counterterrorism capabilities and deploy the most extensive security plan ever used for the parade, including the largest number of officers assigned to the detail.

"“While I will not be attending, our administration has been preparing for weeks to ensure the parade is safe,” Mamdani said at a press briefing. “I take seriously my responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every New Yorker and every event, regardless of my attendance.” “I look forward to this parade occurring seamlessly and peacefully,” he said."

"“We are not messing around with security at this year's parade,” Tisch said, citing the rise in antisemitism and the dozens of recent attacks against Jews in the US, Canada and Europe. “The NYPD has one of the most robust municipal counterterrorism capabilities of any city in the world, and I am bringing all of that to bear for this year's parade,” Tisch said."

"“New Yorkers will see the most extensive security plan that the NYPD has ever put together,” she added, including the “largest number of officers ever assigned to that detail.” The parade has seen tens of thousands march down Manhattan's 5th Avenue in previous years, led by the state and city's political leadership."

"Tisch, who is Jewish, said she will be “honored” to walk with other dignitaries in the parade, which has the theme “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.” “I'm so excited to march with you,” she said in Hebrew. Marching groups often include Jewish nonprofits, non-Jewish allies, dancing troupes, identity groups, and thousands of children from Jewish day schools."

Read at Timesofisrael