New York mayor skips Israel Day parade while other Democrats attend

The mayor of New York City declined to participate in the city's annual Israel Day parade on Sunday. The mayor had stated during the campaign that attendance would not occur and cited opposition to the Israeli government. The mayor also said public safety would remain a priority and that police would maintain a strong presence.

The mayor is believed to be the first to miss the parade since it began in 1964.

Parade attendance Other Democrats participated in the parade, including the Senate minority leader, two members of Congress, the governor, the attorney general, the city police commissioner, and former mayors. Israel's finance minister also attended.

The police commissioner stated that attendance was a personal decision and that marching would occur proudly. The finance minister's presence drew criticism from some participants and observers.

Background and reactions The parade took place weeks after city hall released a video marking the Nakba, the term used by Palestinians for the displacement of an estimated 700,000 people in 1948. Supporters of Israel said the video presented a one-sided account.

A Pew Research survey released in April found that six in 10 Americans hold a very or somewhat unfavorable view of Israel, an increase of seven percentage points from the prior year. The mayor has maintained support for Israel's existence as a state that guarantees equal rights while pledging to honor any International Criminal Court warrant by arresting the Israeli prime minister if a visit occurs.