Forum HaGevura (“The Heroism Forum”) warned in the letter, a copy of which the group provided to JNS, that Hamas was exploiting the fact that Israel stopped taking the initiative in Gaza.
The Democratic candidates have clashed over Israel and Gaza, as millions of dollars in outside spending have poured into the closely watched California special election.
“Our rabbis reignited the candles, helped us breathe and found the words to respond to the moment in real time,” the Reform synagogue stated. “Our congregation refused to let hate extinguish our Shabbat light.”
“Vandalizing the World War II Memorial is an outrageous insult to all who served and Holocaust survivors, as well as all Americans and the values for which our country stands,” Sara J. Bloomfield, director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, told JNS.
“We will keep litigating until we get to the truth,” Randy Mastro told JNS, after oral arguments in New York County Supreme Court. “I’m sure the court will hear us when these procedural issues are behind us.”
“If you’re going to do that kind of act in that area, at that time, you’re more than likely, if you’re going to kill somebody, to kill a Jew,” Michael Trager told the Daily Wire.
Former Israeli security officials tell JNS Hamas’s offer to place its weapons under a new Palestinian committee is designed to help the terror group survive and rebuild.
The Democrats’ Senate leader may have had no choice but to endorse El-Sayed following his primary victory. Business as usual has normalized Jew-hatred.
Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University told JNS that the partnership “vividly displays the benefits of the free marketplace of competing synagogues in the American setting.”
“Calling it ‘settler violence’ is a provocation” which “denies our connection to the land of Israel” and “distracts from constant terrorist attacks against Israelis,” said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University told JNS that the partnership “vividly displays the benefits of the free marketplace of competing synagogues in the American setting.”
“Calling it ‘settler violence’ is a provocation” which “denies our connection to the land of Israel” and “distracts from constant terrorist attacks against Israelis,” said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
A new movie in English and Hebrew, “For the Love of a Woman,” weaves its way from 1930s’ British Mandatory Palestine to America and Israel in the 1970s, telling a relatable story of relationships.
Actor Javier Bardem and others helped spread anti-Israel narratives across social media after the deadly border breach, drawing accusations of antisemitic incitement.
Christian students and young professionals say firsthand encounters with Israel challenged media narratives and strengthened their resolve to confront antisemitism.
Eyal Megged, Ronen Tzur and Dan Shilon can’t explain the source of their hatred for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, so they attack interviewer Sharon Gal and i24News.
A new movie in English and Hebrew, “For the Love of a Woman,” weaves its way from 1930s’ British Mandatory Palestine to America and Israel in the 1970s, telling a relatable story of relationships.
Forum HaGevura (“The Heroism Forum”) warned in the letter, a copy of which the group provided to JNS, that Hamas was exploiting the fact that Israel stopped taking the initiative in Gaza.
The Democratic candidates have clashed over Israel and Gaza, as millions of dollars in outside spending have poured into the closely watched California special election.
“Our rabbis reignited the candles, helped us breathe and found the words to respond to the moment in real time,” the Reform synagogue stated. “Our congregation refused to let hate extinguish our Shabbat light.”
“Vandalizing the World War II Memorial is an outrageous insult to all who served and Holocaust survivors, as well as all Americans and the values for which our country stands,” Sara J. Bloomfield, director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, told JNS.
“We will keep litigating until we get to the truth,” Randy Mastro told JNS, after oral arguments in New York County Supreme Court. “I’m sure the court will hear us when these procedural issues are behind us.”
“If you’re going to do that kind of act in that area, at that time, you’re more than likely, if you’re going to kill somebody, to kill a Jew,” Michael Trager told the Daily Wire.
Former Israeli security officials tell JNS Hamas’s offer to place its weapons under a new Palestinian committee is designed to help the terror group survive and rebuild.
The Democrats’ Senate leader may have had no choice but to endorse El-Sayed following his primary victory. Business as usual has normalized Jew-hatred.
Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University told JNS that the partnership “vividly displays the benefits of the free marketplace of competing synagogues in the American setting.”
“Calling it ‘settler violence’ is a provocation” which “denies our connection to the land of Israel” and “distracts from constant terrorist attacks against Israelis,” said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University told JNS that the partnership “vividly displays the benefits of the free marketplace of competing synagogues in the American setting.”
“Calling it ‘settler violence’ is a provocation” which “denies our connection to the land of Israel” and “distracts from constant terrorist attacks against Israelis,” said Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
A new movie in English and Hebrew, “For the Love of a Woman,” weaves its way from 1930s’ British Mandatory Palestine to America and Israel in the 1970s, telling a relatable story of relationships.
Actor Javier Bardem and others helped spread anti-Israel narratives across social media after the deadly border breach, drawing accusations of antisemitic incitement.
Christian students and young professionals say firsthand encounters with Israel challenged media narratives and strengthened their resolve to confront antisemitism.
Eyal Megged, Ronen Tzur and Dan Shilon can’t explain the source of their hatred for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, so they attack interviewer Sharon Gal and i24News.
A new movie in English and Hebrew, “For the Love of a Woman,” weaves its way from 1930s’ British Mandatory Palestine to America and Israel in the 1970s, telling a relatable story of relationships.
‘Feel personally attacked as a New Yorker and as a Jew,’ attendee says of Mamdani skipping Israel parade
“Israel’s under a lot of fire, and it’s important to celebrate,” Emma Gurvichkin, of Queens, N.Y., told JNS.
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
(May 31, 2026 / JNS)
Tens of thousands of people marched to support the Jewish state in the annual Israel Day on Fifth Parade in Manhattan on Sunday.
Rabbi Mark Landsman, principal of Yeshiva of Central Queens, told JNS that the school is “incredibly proud to support Israel, and we’re not going to let anything stand in our way.”
The yeshivah “has numerous graduates currently serving in the Israel Defense Forces, proudly defending and protecting our people,” the rabbi told JNS at the parade, which is organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
“We only have one homeland, and it’s our responsibility to keep it safe and secure,” he said. “By coming together here today, we’re showing the world that we have one home, and we will do everything we can to protect it from harm.”
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
Emma Gurvichkin, of Queens, N.Y., chief operating officer of Golden Land Group, told JNS that “it’s important for me to march, especially after Oct. 7” and after Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City.
“Israel’s under a lot of fire, and it’s important to celebrate,” she said.
Mamdani, who has said that he would have the Israeli prime minister arrested in New York City and whose spokeswoman said that synagogues violate international law when they host pro-Israel events, skipped the parade. His predecessors have taken part in the parade for six decades.
In an interview on Sunday, Vanessa Tyler, of Black Information Network, asked Mamdani how much “heat are you willing to take” for refusing to attend the parade.
“I’ve been honest with New Yorkers about the fact that I would not attend this parade,” the mayor told Tyler. “It’s something that I shared with them over the course of the campaign, and I’ve made my criticisms of the Israeli government quite clear.”
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin speaks at the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan alongside Ofir Akunis, Israeli consul general in New York, and Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
Gurvichkin told JNS that Mamdani is “dividing us, and it’s disrespectful.”
“I feel personally attacked as a New Yorker and as a Jew,” she said.
Julie Menin, the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council, took part in the parade, as did New York Gov. Kathy Hochul; New York City Police Department commissioner Jessica Tisch; New York Attorney General Letitia James; Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis; Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon; Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.); Reps. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.); Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.); and Eric Dinowitz. a member of the City Council who is chair of its Jewish Caucus and co-chair of its bipartisan task force on Jew-hatred. Inna Vernikov, a council member and the other co-chair of the task force, also attended.
Former city mayors Michael Bloomberg and Eric Adams also marched at the parade.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Today, we march in defiance and also to stand up for the values that define New York State since its very beginning,” Hochul said at the parade. “We will always be that bastion, that beacon of hope for others to be able to live the way they want to live and practice their religious belief freely from harassment.”
“That is why just one hour ago, I was proud to stand with our leaders from JCRC and UJA and other organizations to literally sign the ‘buffer [zone] bill,’ the first-ever in the state of New York that says when you go to worship with your families, you should not have to endure harassment, intimidation or hatred from anyone,” Hochul said.
A veto-proof majority of the New York City Council passed a bill calling on the NYPD to come up with a plan for buffer zones free of obstruction around houses of worship, but Mamdani vetoed an almost identical bill, which the council passed without a veto-proof majority, about religious educational institutions.
Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Israeli mission to the United Nations.
The state law creates 50-foot buffer zones around religious institutions.
“We’re going to stand up and make sure that you’re protected on our streets and in our subways and in our schools and our community centers, because this is who we are,” Hochul said at the parade.
Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, was one of dozens of envoys to the global body, diplomats and foreign representatives to take part in the parade, according to the Israeli mission to the United Nations.
“It is exciting to march today in the annual Israel march in New York alongside U.N. ambassadors, leaders of the Jewish community and tens of thousands of Israel supporters,” Danon said.
Slide show: 2026 Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan
1 of 32
Students from Yeshiva of Central Queens march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
2 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
3 of 32
Students from Yeshiva of Central Queens march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
4 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
5 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
6 of 32
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
7 of 32
Eric Dinowitz, a member of the New York City Council, and David Moore, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
8 of 32
Eric Dinowitz, a member of the New York City Council, and David Moore, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
9 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
10 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
11 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
12 of 32
New York City Council speaker Julie Menin and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul march in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: John McCarten/NYC Council.
13 of 32
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
14 of 32
Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, marches in the Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Israeli mission to the United Nations.
15 of 32
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
16 of 32
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
17 of 32
Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
18 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
19 of 32
Letitia James, attorney general of New York, at the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
20 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
21 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
22 of 32
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) at the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
23 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
24 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
25 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
26 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
27 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
28 of 32
Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, at the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
29 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
30 of 32
New York City comptroller Mark Levine speaks, alongside Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, at the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
31 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
32 of 32
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul/Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
“The impressive presence of friends of Israel from all over the world is proof that even in complex times, Israel does not stand alone,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who came to stand by Israel with pride and determination.”
“Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise,” she said. “We stand up for each other. We are allies with one another, and hate against one is hate against all.”
Shira Schwartz, a recent Baruch College graduate from Forest Hills, N.Y., showed her support for the Jewish state from the sidelines.
“I’ve gone my whole life, and I think it’s important to attend to not only show support for Israel but to show resilience, especially in this time,” she told JNS. “I think it’s also important to attend for cultural reasons. Every culture and nation has something, so it’s important we have ours, too.”
The Israel Day on Fifth parade in front of Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Photo by Rebecca Szlechter.
Schwartz attended for a “test of character.”
“There’s something to say about the number of attendees,” she told JNS. “It shows that people care and aren’t afraid.”
The recent graduate was glad that the mayor played hooky. “He was probably afraid because people wouldn’t praise him, which is what he really wants,” she told JNS. “I think it’s pathetic that he says, with a smile on his face, that he won’t attend.”
Mamdani’s decision to skip “implies he’s not in support of the Jewish people, which is low, as he’s a person of power who claims to be accepting of all faiths and beliefs,” she said.
Akunis, the Israeli consul general, said at the parade that “we delivered a resounding answer to all those who hate Israel.”
“This was the largest and most significant parade ever,” the Israeli diplomat said. “This year’s parade was an unprecedented demonstration of strength by New York’s Jewish community and the people of Israel. It sends a clear and unequivocal message: we are here to stay, and we are not going anywhere.”
“This is a resounding answer to all those who hate Israel,” he added. “I thank the thousands of people who came to the parade, waved Israeli flags, and showed everyone our strength and unity.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul marches in the annual Israel Day on Fifth parade in Manhattan, May 31, 2026. Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The Israeli Consulate General in New York said that Akunis led a delegation that included Knesset speaker Amir Ohana, ministers from the current Israeli governing coalition, and some “10 other members of Knesset from both the current government and the opposition.” Mayors from “cities across Israel” also took part, it said.
“It is the largest delegation of members of Knesset to ever march,” the consulate said.
An attendee, who declined to be named, told JNS that it was important for him to show up “especially given the increasing antisemetic views in the city.”
“It’s important that political organizations know that support for Israel and standing up against antisemitism are issues that hundreds of thousands of people agree with,” the attendee said.
“It’s not surprising,” he told JNS about Mamdani skipping the parade. “It’s consistent with his other views and rhetoric regarding Israel and those who support it, and by extension the Jewish people.”
“Vandalizing the World War II Memorial is an outrageous insult to all who served and Holocaust survivors, as well as all Americans and the values for which our country stands,” Sara J. Bloomfield, director of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, told JNS.
“We will keep litigating until we get to the truth,” Randy Mastro told JNS, after oral arguments in New York County Supreme Court. “I’m sure the court will hear us when these procedural issues are behind us.”
