As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose not to attend the annual Israel Day Parade, becoming the first sitting mayor to skip the event since it began more than six decades ago, former Mayor Eric Adams marched alongside Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana in a display of solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community.

Shortly before the parade got underway, Adams spoke with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News about the significance of participating in the event together with Israel’s parliamentary leader.

“Just being here with the Speaker of Knesset says a lot, and the clear display of unity for not only the country of Israel, but also the Jewish community globally.”

Adams said the joint appearance sent a powerful message of support and partnership.

“And that’s why we’re marching together. We will stand together, we will fight together, and we will ensure that the entire globe knows that the people of America and New York respect and will stand with the people of Israel,” he added.

Ohana noted that this year’s parade was marked by an unprecedented absence from City Hall.

“In more than 60 years of this parade, it is the first time that the mayor of New York will not attend,” he said.

At the same time, Ohana pointed out that the circumstances also led to a historic first from Israel’s side.

“We are very happy to have Mayor Adams. And for that reason, in more than 60 years of the parade, it is the first time that the Speaker of the Knesset will.”

The Knesset Speaker said he arrived with what he described as the largest parliamentary delegation ever sent from Israel to the New York event.

Ohana explained that the group included lawmakers from both coalition and opposition parties, reflecting broad support across Israel’s political spectrum.

According to Ohana, the purpose of the visit was to demonstrate solidarity with Jewish communities abroad at a time of growing challenges.

He said the delegation had come “to send a message to the Jewish world, to the Jews of New York. We are here with you. You are not alone.”

Closing his remarks, Ohana emphasized unity between Israel and Jews around the world.

“We stand together. Am Yisrael Chai,” Ohana concluded.

{Matzav.com}