Former New York City Mayor and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is expected to march in New York City’s annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, a move many are viewing as a strong show of support for Israel amid growing political divisions over the Jewish state.

Bloomberg, a longtime supporter of Israel and numerous Jewish causes, reportedly decided to participate in this year’s parade in part because current Mayor Zohran Mamdani has chosen not to attend.

According to sources familiar with the planning of the event, Bloomberg wanted to publicly demonstrate his support for Israel at a time when Mamdani has faced criticism from pro-Israel advocates over his views on the Jewish state.

Mamdani has been an outspoken critic of Israeli government policies and has voiced support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He has also previously stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could face legal action if he were to visit New York City under certain circumstances.

“This is Bloomberg sticking it to Mamdani,” a source familiar with the parade’s planning told The New York Post.

Bloomberg regularly marched in Israel Day Parade celebrations throughout his 12 years as mayor and has maintained close ties with New York’s Jewish community long after leaving office.

Also expected to march is former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has proudly announced his participation in the parade. Adams has repeatedly expressed strong support for Israel and New York City’s Jewish community throughout his time in office.

The participation of both Bloomberg and Adams is likely to draw attention as two former mayors publicly show their support for Israel while Mamdani remains absent from one of the city’s most prominent pro-Israel events.

The annual Israel Day Parade, one of the largest pro-Israel gatherings in the world, draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators to Fifth Avenue each year in a celebration of the bond between New York’s Jewish community and the State of Israel.