Jews and Rabbis Protest Zionism at Israel Day Parade in Manhattan

Demonstration Held at Entrance to Annual Fifth Avenue Parade

On Sunday, May 31, a Powerful protest took place at the entrance to a Zionist celebration—the annual Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. The event marked 78 years since the establishment of the State of Israel, a rebellion against God and Judaism, as well as the beginning of the occupation of Palestine and a catastrophe for the Palestinian people.

Anti-Zionist Jews and Rabbis Join Protest

Anti-Zionist Jews, along with a delegation of rabbis, attended the demonstration to express a Jewish rejection of Zionism. Positioned at the entrance where parade participants entered, the protest became a focal point for public interaction, with many attendees hearing direct explanations from the rabbis about their views for the first time in their lives after being raised with Zionist propaganda. On the other hand, there were verbal and physical confrontations directed at the anti-Zionist Jewish protesters from the Zionist .

Political Debate and Public Reactions Surround Parade

This year’s parade also drew significant media attention amid wider political debate after it was announced that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani would not attend the parade. He was criticized by some Zionist media outlets for not attending, with accusations of antisemitism and claims that he broke a “tradition” of New York City mayors supporting Zionism. Zionist groups also held demonstrations near Gracie Mansion, while at the protest, anti-Zionist Jews thanked the mayor for his courage and principled leadership.

At the protest, Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch thanked the mayor and stated that people are “waking up” and reconsidering their support for Zionism. He described this moment as a return to a more “traditional” understanding of Judaism, separate from Zionist ideology, and a break from the “tradition” of supporting Zionism.

Protest Continues for Hours Amid Heavy Police Presence

The demonstration continued for several hours. Participants said the NYPD helped maintain order and prevent further escalation of confrontations. However, the behavior they experienced as aggressive and disturbing, which they attributed to broader consequences of Zionism and its history.

Rabbi Dovid Feldman on Zionism and Judaism

Rabbi Dovid Feldman, speaking at the scene, said that the events and the level of hostility from Zionist participants toward Jewish rabbis and their language challenge the false propaganda that Zionism represents Jews or Judaism. He stated that Zionism and Judaism are fundamentally opposed.