Zohran Mamdani sparks fury after missing New York Israel parade

WorldPolitics
1 Jun 2026 • 7:53 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Zohran Mamdani sparks fury after missing New York Israel parade

  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani notably missed the annual Israel Day parade, breaking with a long-standing political tradition for the city's leaders.
  • His absence underscores his vocal support for Palestinian rights and follows his office's release of a video acknowledging the Nakba, the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.
  • Mamdani had previously stated he would not attend the parade, making his views on the Israeli government clear, though he assured a robust police presence for the event.
  • The decision has reignited criticism from opponents who interpret his stance as antisemitic, with Rabbi Marc Schneier calling it “a slap in the face to all Jewish New Yorkers”.
  • While Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, advocates for Palestinian rights, he also affirms Israel's right to exist and pledges to protect Jewish New Yorkers.

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