The 59th annual New York City Israel Day Parade on Sunday turned ugly as pro-Hamas protesters crashed the event despite heavy security. Backpacks, large bags and coolers were prohibited, and approximately 40,000 spectators had to pass through metal detectors. Drones, K-9 units, and bike patrols were visible throughout the parade. This was due to concerns of attacks. Antisemitic incidents are at an all time high and the Anti-Defamation League reported a 360% increase in antisemitic incidents since Oct. 7.
The parade began with families of hostages leading the way .Fox News reported that this was the first Jewish event in the city since the Palestinian Hamas attack on October 7. There have been roughly 2,800 protests in the city, with about 1,300 of them related to the ongoing war. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams were in attendance.
One young man of color covered his face with a ski mask and carried a sign saying, “Kill hostages now”. He wore a black shirt and draped a Palestinian flag across his shoulders.
No arrests were reported.
Another pro-Hamas protestor held up her phone with the message, “they’re not coming home.”
Counter protesters were on hand wearing kefiyehs, the traditional Arab headwear that has become a symbol for anti-Jewish terrorism.
