The Israel Day on Fifth Parade, an annual event in New York City that celebrates the Jewish State, took place on Sunday, June 2, 2024. This year's parade was expected to draw over 40,000 participants and attract thousands of spectators along Fifth Avenue between 52nd and 79th Streets. The event came eight months after the October 7 Hamas assault in Israel that resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people and left hundreds more as hostages in Gaza.
Security was heightened for the parade due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with road closures affecting several blocks of Fifth Avenue and side streets. Spectators were screened and limited to viewing areas along the parade route. There was a significant risk of protests disrupting the event due to nationwide protests related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Despite the somber mood, participants showed their support for Israel by chanting 'Bring them home now!' and waving Israeli flags during the march along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The parade featured floats from various Israeli, Israeli-American, and Jewish schools and community organizations. Over 40,000 people attended the event, including Israeli and US politicians, dignitaries, celebrities, family members of hostages held in Gaza captivity.
Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, lawn chairs and other folding chairs were prohibited from the parade area. The NYPD implemented security measures similar to those used during New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square. Spectators could enter through five access points: Madison Avenue at East 61st, 63rd, 66th, 70th and 73rd streets.
The Israel Day on Fifth Parade is a moment of unity for the Jewish community and a show of solidarity with hostages held in Gaza. The event represents the first large-scale Jewish gathering in New York City since the war started, although there have been roughly 2,800 protests across the city since October 7, with almost 1,300 related to the Middle East conflict.
