New York Governor criticises Israeli Finance Minister's participation in pro-Israel parade. New York Mayor declines to attend event.
Key facts
- •New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned Bezalel Smotrich's participation in the pro-Israel parade.
- •Smotrich is Israel's Finance Minister and has been described as a far-right extremist by Hochul.
- •The parade took place on June 1, 2026.
- •New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the parade, a first in the event's 61-year history.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has strongly condemned the participation of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the city's annual pro-Israel parade. Hochul criticised Smotrich as a far-right extremist. The parade took place on June 1, 2026.
Governor's Statement
In a post, Hochul said: 'Bezalel Smotrich is a far-right extremist whose hateful and divisive rhetoric is fundamentally at odds with the values we hold dear in New York.' Hochul added that the parade was a celebration of Jewish pride, community, and unity, and she strongly condemned Smotrich's participation.
Mayor's Decision
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend this year's Israel Day on Fifth parade, becoming the first mayor in the event's 61-year history not to take part.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Middle East Eye.
