Ex-mayors join Hochul at NYC Israel parade as Mamdani rides bike
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the first sitting mayor to skip the Israel Day Parade in its six-decade history, opting instead to promote his 2029 re-election campaign and bike through the city.
Two former mayors, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch joined thousands of New Yorkers along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to stand with the city’s Jewish community, according to New York Post.
Eric Adams and Michael Bloomberg, both of whom attended the parade during their respective administrations, marched alongside current state and city leaders in the unifying celebration.
Bloomberg, who participated in the parade throughout his 12 years in office, wore blue and white and waved an Israeli flag as he walked beside Tisch. Parade-goers erupted in chants of “We miss you, Mike!” and “Jessie for mayor!” when they spotted the pair marching behind the Police Department’s banner.
Tisch had made clear her intentions at a security press conference last week, stating it was Mamdani’s decision not to march and her decision to march proudly alongside the department.
Adams, who earned his own cheers from the crowd, directly called out his successor’s absence in a video posted to social media. At a time when antisemitism is rising across our country, Adams said, you cannot afford silence when Jewish New Yorkers face hatred and attacks at unprecedented levels.
One attendee shouted as Adams began marching: “The real mayor is here, Mr. Adams!”
Mayor Promotes Re-Election, Takes Bike Ride Instead
While the parade proceeded without him, Mamdani spent his Sunday morning on a call-in radio show discussing his enthusiasm for the job and his plans to run for a second term in 2029—despite being only months into his first term and more than three years away from the next mayoral election.
The mayor then took a leisurely afternoon bike ride through the city, bizarrely dressed in a white collared dress shirt, black suit, and dress shoes while pedaling without a helmet, as New York Post reports.
The lack of helmet is particularly notable given that Mamdani’s own administration has strongly encouraged helmet use, hosting free-helmet giveaways as recently as last month. A safe bike ride is a good bike ride, the mayor said in a city press release about the initiative, emphasizing that safe cycling starts with the right gear.
Muslim Mayor’s Israel Stance Breaks Decades of Tradition
Mamdani, who is Muslim and has been a longtime vocal critic of Israel, supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against the country and does not recognize it as the Jewish state. He made no secret of his intention to skip the parade.
The mayor told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in October that while he would not attend the parade, his absence should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or necessary permits. He claimed his belief in equal rights for all people everywhere guides him consistently.
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, told New York Post he was glad Mamdani stayed away, saying the city doesn’t need a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The mayor’s conspicuous absence marks a staggering break with tradition and appears to be the first time a sitting mayor has skipped the parade since its inception in 1964.
First Muslim Group Marches Despite Threats
In a history-making contrast, interfaith activist Anila Ali, founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, led the first-ever Muslim group to march in the parade.
Ali and her group walked along Fifth Avenue despite facing threats and intimidation at every turn, from anonymous phone calls warning them to wear bulletproof vests to city Councilwoman Shahana Hanif saying she hoped pro-Israel Muslim organizers like Ali would be condemned to Jahannam—the Islamic equivalent of hell.
Parade-Goers Say Mayor Not Welcome
Attendees told New York Post they preferred the mayor’s absence, with many expressing anger at his decision to skip the event.
Stella Englard, 41, of Westchester County, said the mayor is disgusting and it’s better he wasn’t there, as many people would be angry at his presence. She called him the most divisive mayor she has seen in her lifetime and said his absence from the parade tells you everything you need to know about his lack of support for the Jewish people.
Hedy Aldima of Brooklyn, wearing a shirt reading “F–k Mamdani,” said flatly that attendees don’t want or need him at the parade. She compared the Democratic Socialist mayor unfavorably to former Mayor Bill DeBlasio, suggesting Mamdani has surpassed even that widely criticized predecessor.
With information from New York Post
