Every year, a parade of individuals supporting the state of Israel marches down Fifth Avenue during the end of May or beginning of June. Music, entertainment acts, themed floats and pure joy usually define the event that’s attended by thousands of people.
This year, though, things will look slightly different: gone will be the revelry, it seems, as a reaction to the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the kidnappings of hundreds of others, some of which are still being held hostage.
But an overall aura of sadness and focus on the hostages is not the only way the parade will be different in 2024.
Below, find a breakdown of the changes that will define this Sunday’s Israel parade, scheduled to kick off at 11:30am on Fifth Avenue and 62nd Street and continue through 74th Street until 4pm.
- The Actual Name of the Event Has Changed
Last year, the name of the event was Celebrate Israel Parade. In 2024, organizers have opted for Israel Day on Fifth.
“The tone is more aligned with solidarity with the Israeli people and with our Jewish identity,” said Mark Treyger, the CEO of New York’s Jewish Community Relations Council, the organization behind the parade, in an official statement. “This is a moment of solidarity. This is a moment to speak with one voice to call to release the hostages.”
The event’s theme—”Am Echad, Lev Echad,” which translates to “one people, one heart—”also echoes the organizers’ overall message. - There Will Be No Music Playing
ABC reports that, in an effort to tone down the event as a whole, “spectators won’t hear the music, bands, or experience a celebratory atmosphere.”
The message is clear: Sunday will be dedicated to the championing of Israel’s right to exist and the safe return of all remaining hostages. - Participants Will Wear “Bring Them Home” Gear
All throughout the parade, folks will notice signs and other paraphernalia emblazoned with the words “bring the home,” the slogan and call to action that has almost come to define the eight months since Hamas’ brutal attack on civilians.
In addition to the posters, expect yellow ribbons, yet another symbol of advocacy for the prisoners, to pepper the streets alongside T-shirts also boasting the message. - Israeli Flags Will Be Everywhere
The presence of flags representing the state of Israel in a parade focusing on the country shouldn’t come as a surprise but, according to multiple outlets, each marcher will be holding one.
According to ABC, organizers are expecting over 40,000 people to join the event. That’s a whole lot of white and blue flags being waved in the air at once. - There Will be a Lot More Security Throughout Parade Route
Although visual and organizational differences abound, it’s the city’s deployment of aded security that will likely affect the parade most.
ABC reports that he New York Police Department held a meeting earlier this week to plan for the event, deciding to step up security measures as a precaution despite the absence of real threats at the current moment.
“The NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau has warned that extremists from various ideological backgrounds may view the event as an attractive target for violence or disruption, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict,” reports NBC New York. “The assessment notes that the current threat environment for Israel and the Jewish community is particularly severe. Foreign terrorist organizations such as Hamas, ISIS, and al-Qaida have persistently incited violence against Israeli and Jewish targets through online propaganda. These developments have the potential to inspire homegrown violent extremists in the United States to carry out similar attacks, experts say.”
That’s all to say: stay safe, stay alert and be proud of the reasons why you are marching.
