(Courtesy of Israeli Consulate) Today, an official delegation of the State of Israel, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, Consul General of Israel in New York Ambassador Ofir Akunis and Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, marched in New York’s annual Israel parade.

They were joined by tens of thousands of supporters from the New York area as well as across the U.S. and the world. Marchers included 70 relatives of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and many other elected officials marched as well. From the Israeli side, Minister Katz was joined by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli, as well as Knesset members Boaz Bismuth, Yifat Shasha-Biton, Tsega Melaku, Boaz Toporovsky and Moshe Solomon, and former Knesset member Shirly Pinto.

“Today demonstrates America’s tremendous support for Israel and the Jewish people,” said Ambassador Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York. “Fifth Avenue is draped with the colors of Israel, reflecting this city’s firm stand against violent attacks against us—be it terrorism in the Middle East or antisemitic hate crimes on college campuses. This massive march is also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance, as both nations are under attack from the same axis of evil. Their supporters do not hide this fact, and chant such hate even here on the streets of New York: Death to America, and death to Israel.’”