A Sanitized Israel Day Parade Is Better Than None

An Israeli flag flies at a past Israel Day Parade.

This year, I had the privilege of marching in the Israel Day Parade, representing Scout 613 of the Boy Scouts of America. We were placed near the front, right behind the politicians. On paper, it was a picture-perfect day. The sun was out. The flags were flying. The energy among those walking was strong.

But something was missing. And it wasn’t just the noise.

It’s been 28 years since I last walked the parade — back when I was a student filled with pride...