(SeaPRwire) –   New York City’s Democratic-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Jewish groups over his choice to skip the city’s longstanding Israel Day Parade. This decision comes at a time when the Big Apple is grappling with unprecedented rates of antisemitism.

As the city with the world’s largest Jewish population outside Israel, Jewish New Yorkers have long seen the yearly parade as one of the most visible public shows of support for both the Jewish state and their own community. This Tuesday, two major Jewish organizations in the city turned down an invitation to a Jewish heritage event at Gracie Mansion in reaction to Mamdani’s recent snub.

“Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations. New York has historically been proud of its deep relationship with Israel. Not joining the parade is an affront to the history of New York City,” Moshe Davis, ex-Executive Director of Mayor Adams’ Office to Combat Antisemitism, told Digital.

Earlier this month, Mamdani formally announced he would skip the event—even as antisemitism in NYC reaches all-time highs and anti-Israel protests have been taking place outside synagogues and Jewish community centers citywide for weeks. Parade organizers note that the May 31st gathering is projected to have a record number of attendees in response to Mamdani’s decision.

Though Mamdani had previously suggested in an October 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he probably wouldn’t attend due to political beliefs, his recent public reaffirmation has sparked increasing backlash.

Digital contacted Mayor Mamdani’s office about the criticism from Jewish leaders concerning his absence from the parade, and his spokesperson directed them to a statement he had already provided to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

“I look forward to joining and hosting many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city. While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety. I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently.”

Community leaders argue that this choice violates decades of nonpartisan tradition in a city where taking part in the parade has long been considered both a symbolic and standard practice.

Even though the mayor turned down the invitation, a spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul told Digital that she will take part in the parade.

Organizers state that this year’s parade will likely include more marching groups than in any previous year, fueled both by support for Israel and worry about the growing antisemitism.

A parade insider told Digital that the event is anticipated to be “safer at the parade than in your own home,” pointing to the comprehensive security planning for this year’s march.

Nevertheless, most of the discussion around the parade has focused on Mamdani’s nonattendance.

During his mayoral run, Mamdani hinted that he would probably “miss a lot” of NYC’s traditional parades because of his political stances, adding that he would assess each appearance on a “case-by-case” basis.

Critics contend that the Israel Day Parade isn’t just another political gathering—it’s a long-established civic tradition deeply connected to NYC’s Jewish identity and history.

“The Israel Day Parade is a testament to one of New York City’s most important relationships. From healthcare to technology to innovation, Israel and New York City are partners in building a better future. I want every New Yorker to join the Parade on Fifth Avenue because celebrating this bond isn’t just for the Jewish community, it’s for our entire city,” ex-New York City Mayor Eric Adams told Digital.

The controversy around Mamdani has expanded beyond the parade: the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York have refused to attend his first Jewish Heritage event (for the upcoming Shavuot holiday) at Gracie Mansion. They stated they wouldn’t take part in an event hosted by a mayor who “denies the core pillar of our heritage—the State of Israel as the Jewish people’s homeland.”

At the event, Mamdani recognized the extent of antisemitism affecting NYC’s Jewish community, saying: “Jewish New Yorkers, who make up roughly 12% of our city’s population, are the targets of over 50% of all hate crimes.”

He also unveiled a proposed $26 million annual investment to expand hate crime prevention initiatives through the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. At the time of writing, details on how this proposal would address antisemitism were not yet clear.

Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, former President Trump’s special envoy for monitoring and combating antisemitism, told Digital when asked about Mamdani’s stance that, “It is important we recognize the need for leaders to uphold their responsibility to protect religious freedom and refrain from making incendiary comments that contribute to the rise of antisemitism. Leaders who fail to do so bear responsibility for the increase in antisemitic activity.”

This year’s parade will also see increased interfaith involvement. For the first time in the event’s 61-year history, several Muslim groups will march alongside Jewish organizations, along with more participation from Asian American groups and other communities.