Israel Day Parade NY

On Sunday this week, I went to the Israel Day Parade on 5th Ave in New York.

I have often joined in this event over the years out of solidarity (and nowadays that is no small thing). The extreme security provided by the New York Police was impressive. Keeping protestors corralled and blocking counter demonstrations. The only downside is that it takes a long time to get through the security barriers and lines. And strategic planning to find the quickest way to get in and out.

This year was unusual in that the mayor of New York refused to attend. But no surprise, and, frankly, a relief. Instead, the Governor of New York and the NYPD commissioner, Jessica Tish, led the procession, proudly displaying their loyalties, along with former mayors Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg.  In particular, the fact that Jessica Tisch was in such a prominent position in the city and was so publicly supportive was a great relief. Given the fact that the New York Democratic Party is full of people who are very ill disposed towards Israel.

I was delighted to see prominent Muslim interfaith activist Anila Ali, founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, come out publicly to support the March, despite being hit with threats and intimidation tactics at every turn, from Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, who said pro-Israel Muslim organisers like Ali should be condemned to hell. A lovely group of Chinese performers put on a most colourful display. The camels were cute, too.

As a rule, I am not a fan of processions or indeed demonstrations. I don’t give a toss for the important local, national, and international figures that like to parade up and down. I am not particularly enthusiastic about marching bands, dancers, cheer leaders and odd exhibitionists (although far fewer ‘outsiders’ than before, no doubt warned off by political correctness and fears of reprisals). Indeed, not a few Jewish New Yorkers stayed away for fear of violence. But since so many thousands more than before turned up, they were not missed. Like all these events, there’s a commercial element, advertising and floats, and music, some more effective than others, from different organisations in the New York area who volunteered their services.

But for me, the absolute highlight was that there were literally thousands of young boys and girls of every age from 10 upwards, and some even younger, from Jewish schools around the tri-state area who were parading proudly up 5th Ave. Dancing and singing, full of life and enthusiasm, all the way up over the several miles of the route that took over four hours. It was such a tonic after the months and months of hatred and antagonism that have come to dominate many cities in America and Europe.

I am never surprised by anti-Judaism, however, it may be disguised. It is never pleasant to confront such hatred, even though it has marked much of Jewish history. In moments like these, it is natural to worry about the future of our people. More troubling still are the divisions, aggression, and extremism within our own communities, in Israel and beyond—dangers we must remain alert to. The absence of Charedi support and schools was a sad reflection of the state of Judaism today and the short-sightedness of its leadership. I expect this in a politicised Israel, but it is saddening to see it in New York as well.

It is true that 50,000 or however many they were on this parade is only a small section of the Jewish population of New York and America. And we’ve known for a long time that the majority of them have very loose and uninformed connections with their Jewish heritage. Yet when you see so many young men and women, boys and girls, so committed to their Jewish identity, so outgoing, joyful, positive and confident, nothing dispels the clouds of anxiety more. They will strengthen us religiously in the future.

The number of these wonderful kids and schools has been going up significantly each year. This gives me incredible pride and confidence that, regardless of the internal and external factors, our future is assured.

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen lives in New York. He was born in Manchester. His writings are concerned with religion, culture, history and current affairs – anything he finds interesting or relevant. They are designed to entertain and to stimulate. Disagreement is always welcome.