Thousands of American Jews marched

Jewish-Americans marched through New York’s Fifth Avenue on June 2, waving Israeli flags. The marchers also held pro-Israel signs as a component of the Celebrate Israel Parade. Prominent among those absent were members of Jewish organizations having a left-leaning ideology. Protesters greeted marchers, and the two opposing groups exchanged heated remarks like “Free Palestine!” and “Self Hating Jews!” The parade is in its 55th edition in 2019.

The event was held in the backdrop of the State of Israel celebrating its 52nd anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, the modern yet ancient city which devout Jews regard as a holy city. Pious Jews also consider Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the Jews.

The theme of the Celebrate Israel Parade in 2019 was “Only in Israel.” Members of about 250 organizations took part. The list of attendees included students of Jewish day schools. Members of synagogues, yeshivot, and professional marching bands. A few commercial companies also joined in, together with 30 floats. Trucks rolled past those who came to watch, entertaining the thousands who lined up the avenue and cheered the 40,000 marchers.

Many American political figures joined the marchers. The list included Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York and Bill de Blasio, the Mayor of New York City. Danny Dayan, the Israel Consul General to New York, were among the many prominent figures among the marchers. Almost every elected official took care to show up and be seen. They made sure that other parade goers see them and they were present to express their heartfelt support towards the Israeli cause.

There were some Jews who did not take part in the march. The New Israel Fund, a known far-left organization, did not send its members to the event. This absence did not trouble the Israeli ambassador. Dayan told an Israeli newspaper reporter that it was exciting for him to march with many others in New York to celebrate Israel’s independence. He appreciated the support given by many New Yorkers to the event. Dayan said it is vital to show the thriving relationship between Israel and the United States during trying times like today. He reminded the interviewer that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are on the rise today and such events concretize the excellent relationship between U.S. Jews and their Israeli counterparts.

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