NYC Mayor slams Smotrich’s participation in “Israel Day” parade

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his disapproval on Monday following the participation of ‘Israeli’ Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other far-right officials in the annual “Israel Day” Parade, also known as “Celebrate Israel” Parade, held on Fifth Avenue on Sunday.

Mamdani, who boycotted the event and became the first New York mayor in over 60 years to do so, stated he was “offended” by the presence of Smotrich and other ministers.

In an interview, he described their involvement as reflecting “a vision of annihilation, a complicity in genocide,” and a disregard for the sanctity of children in Gaza.

Mamdani said: “I've made clear time and time again over the course of the campaign my criticisms of the Israeli government. And you can see in the participation of the far-right Israeli minister Smotrich, as well as a number of other ministers, a vision of annihilation, a complicity in genocide, and frankly, a belief that does not have much value for even the sanctity of children in Gaza. And I am offended, as I know many New Yorkers are, by their participation."

The parade drew tens of thousands of participants and featured a record ‘Israeli’ delegation including Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

However, the surprise inclusion of Smotrich, who flew in that morning, and other hard-line figures such as Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu sparked significant backlash.

Smotrich, a leader of ‘Israel’s’ Religious Zionist Party, has a history of controversial statements, including calls for annexing parts of the West Bank and strong positions on Gaza.

Several countries have sanctioned him over alleged incitement of settler violence against Palestinians.

Multiple New York officials and Jewish organizations distanced themselves from Smotrich’s attendance.

Statements condemning his participation came from figures including Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who described his rhetoric as hateful and divisive.

Parade organizers also sought to separate the event from ‘Israeli’ political controversies.

Mamdani had previously announced his absence, citing long-standing criticisms of the current ‘Israeli’ government’s policies.