The Israel parade: time to show your support
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The Israel parade: time to show your support

By NJJN Editors May 29, 2019, 1:31 pm Edit
People march the annual Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3, 2018 in New York City. The parade marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel. Getty Images
People march the annual Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3, 2018 in New York City. The parade marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel. Getty Images

It’s only five hours long and less than 2 miles in distance, but New York City’s annual Celebrate Israel Parade sends a message that transcends borders: The often-divided members of the Jewish community can come together for their support of the Jewish state. And that point is more important than ever in these toxic times.

This year’s parade, along Fifth Avenue this Sunday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine), will feature more than 30 floats, 15 marching bands, 40,000 marchers, and many thousands of spectators cheering and singing along. There will be Israeli musical artists, Rollerbladers, motorcyclists, dance groups, and juggling clowns.

Celebrities on the “Israeli float” will include Israeli Consul General Dani Dayan and rapper Young Gravy. The 19-year-old star, who has Native American heritage, declared that he is taking part in the event because “Zionism is another way of reconnecting an indigenous people to their land who were erased by expulsion and genocide and imperialism.”

Ukrainian-born real estate developer and attorney Edward Mermelstein, who is serving as grand marshal of the parade, said, “As an immigrant New Yorker, and a proud Jew, walking up Fifth Avenue as the grand marshal of the Celebrate Israel Parade is the pinnacle of the American dream.”

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