NYPD commissioner 'proudly' leads Israel parade as grand marshal; Mamdani breaks tradition, avoids event

The annual parade honoring Israel kicked off in New York City on Sunday without New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who earlier said he had chosen to skip the event, as his police commissioner led the parade as a grand marshal and other New York political leaders such as Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer attended.

The Israel Day parade has always been a must-attend event for mayors, governors and other political leaders to celebrate the Jewish state with throngs of revelers who pack Fifth Avenue.