As many as 40,000 people are expected to gather in Manhattan on Sunday for the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade, which will unfold under tight security this year amid the tensions of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Held since 1964, the parade bills itself as the world's largest gathering in support of the Jewish State. It typically features music, marching bands and a festival-like vibe. But this year, the event will have a more somber mood, following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.
Israel's military response in Gaza has sparked intense criticism of the country as well. The New York City Police Department on Friday said that security would be stepped up Sunday as a precaution. It said the event could draw protests as well.
Israel Day on Fifth 2024:Parade celebrates solidary
While there is "no specific threat," extremists may view the event as an attractive target for violence or disruption in light of the ongoing conflict, the NYPD said in a security advisory,
Israel Day on Fifth kicks off Sunday morning
The parade is due to kick off at 11:30 a.m. and will march from 62nd Street on Fifth Avenue up to 74th Street. Access will be limited to five entry points along the parade, which is expected to end by 4 p.m.
Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, the theme of this year's gathering will be "One People, One Heart." The parade is is expected to draw more than 40,000 participants, Israeli and U.S. politicians, dignitaries, celebrities, and family members of hostages. It will also feature 200 schools, synagogues and other organizations.
Dozens of delegations from New Jersey are expected to take part this year as they have in previous years (when the event was called the "Celebrate Israel" parade.)
Among this year's participants will be Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls in Teaneck. The school has always sent a delegation, but this year, more students signed up, said head of school CB Neugroschl.
"It's a beautiful way to cap off a year in which we learned how important it is to show up and be proud of our Jewish community," she said. "These core values have been crystalized for our students this year. They see how activism is critical for the Jewish community, and we are proud of them."
Showing 'pride in being Jewish and Zionist'
Antisemitism has spiked dramatically since the Oct. 7 attack, and Israel's subsequent campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the death of about 35,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
More:With Israel under fire, New York play, exhibit spotlight traumas of Oct. 7 attack
This year's event is among the most important in its history because it offers the Jewish community the opportunity "to come together in the face of rising antisemitism in a strong show of unity and pride in being Jewish and Zionist," said Tzipporah Shapiro, a spokesperson for the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Victims of Oct. 7 − and the hostages still believed held by Hamas − will be a prime focus, she added. The procession is expected to include about 1,500 guests who are either relatives of those abducted, survivors of the massacre at the Nova Music Festival in southern Israel or other Israeli residents targeted in the attack.
Together the participants will show their support for the people of Israel and "draw renewed attention to the more than 120 hostages still being held," Shapiro said, "sending an urgent message to the world to 'Bring them Home Now!'"
“We are thrilled that so many people from the northern New Jersey area will be attending," added Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey in Paramus. "This year more than ever it’s important that we all show Israel and the world how committed we are to our one and only Jewish Homeland. “
If you go: access and security guidance
Security guidance on the parade website says that backpacks are not allowed. Neither are large bags, umbrellas, lawn chairs or other folding chairs, coolers, drones or other large items, including flags and banners, that might obstruct the view of others. Anyone who brings such items may have them taken away, according to the website.
"This year, security is our first consideration," it says.
The website also offers this advice:
- Space is limited. Spectators are advised to come early. Once the spectator areas reach capacity, no additional spectators will be admitted until other spectators depart.
- All spectators will be required to be screened, using metal detectors operated by NYPD officers. Access to the Fifth Avenue viewing area will be limited to61st, 63rd, 66th, 70thand73rd Streets from Madison Avenue. Those having business on those blocks (e.g., residents, employees, visitors) or Fifth Avenue itself will have access to the sidewalks.
- No one carrying a prohibited item will be allowed into the viewing area. Anyone carrying a prohibited item can choose to dispose of the prohibited item should they still wish to enter the viewing area.
- To prevent dangerous situations, if the spectator viewing areas adjacent to61st, 63rd, 66th, 70thand73rd Streetsreach capacity, that block will be shut down and those wishing to view on Fifth Avenue will be directed to other blocks.
Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email:yellin@northjersey.com
