Happening Today! – A Proud Parade of Unity, Culture & Hope to Celebrate Israel on Fifth Avenue

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In one of the most iconic displays of Jewish pride and solidarity with the State of Israel, New York City is once again preparing to host the annual Israel Day on Fifth (IDO5) on Sunday, March 18^th with the world’s largest celebration of its kind. With the 2025 theme “Hatikvah – The Hope,” this year’s IDO5 is set to highlight the resilience, perseverance, and future aspirations of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

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The parade is set to begin at 11:30 a.m., traversing Fifth Avenue from East 62nd to East 74th streets. Organizers say the event, described as the “world’s largest gathering in support of Israel,” is expected to wrap up at 4 p.m.

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According to organizers, “Hatikvah” – the national anthem of Israel and a word that translates to “hope” – was chosen to encapsulate both the eternal optimism of the Jewish spirit and the unbreakable bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora. In a world facing rising antisemitism and geopolitical uncertainty, this theme carries particular weight and urgency, as participants and organizers alike are committed to sending a clear message of strength and solidarity.

The origins of this grand celebration stretch back decades, but 2011 marked a major turning point when the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) assumed management of the parade. Under the leadership of JCRC-NY, the event evolved into a full-scale community platform to celebrate Israel, unify Jewish voices, and educate the public.

In 2024, a significant rebranding effort officially renamed the event “Israel Day on Fifth” (IDO5) – a streamlined, modern title reflecting both its prestigious location on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue and its focus on celebrating Israel’s people, culture, and contributions.

Last year’s theme, “One People, One Heart,” placed a profound emphasis on communal unity amid crisis. With a spotlight on the hostages still held in Gaza and the impact of ongoing conflict, the 2024 IDO5 was widely covered by major media outlets and attracted widespread attention not only for its pageantry but for its political and humanitarian significance.

As highlighted in the recap and photos posted on the official IDO5 website, the 2024 parade brought together tens of thousands of marchers, hundreds of thousands of spectators, and an overwhelming show of support from Jewish communities across the United States. Emotions ran high, with poignant tributes woven into the colorful displays, music, and performances.

Every year, IDO5 welcomes over 40,000 marchers, representing synagogues, day schools, youth groups, cultural organizations, and pro-Israel advocacy groups. These Marching Groups and Cluster Groups prepare for months—sometimes all year—crafting their presentations to reflect the annual theme. With the guidance of IDO5 staff, they develop floats, banners, costumes, and performances that combine artistry, cultural pride, and educational messaging.’

This year’s focus on “Hatikvah – The Hope” promises an even more vibrant and meaningful display. Participants are expected to express how Israel remains a beacon of hope and democracy in the Middle East and how Jewish identity continues to flourish despite adversity.

One of the most unique elements of IDO5 is its ability to draw high-profile figures from both American and Israeli political spheres. In past years, the Prime Minister of Israel, members of the Knesset, and numerous Israeli dignitaries have marched proudly alongside New York State’s Governor, the Mayor of New York City, and prominent U.S. Senators and Congressional Representatives.

Members of the State Senate, New York Assembly, and City Council also join the festivities annually, using the event as a platform to publicly reaffirm their support for Israel and the Jewish community. Their presence reflects the deeply rooted alliance between the United States and Israel—a bond that IDO5 both celebrates and strengthens each year.

While hundreds of thousands line the streets of Manhattan, IDO5’s reach extends far beyond the city. Thanks to live television broadcasts and online streaming, the celebration is watched by countless viewers around the globe, from Tel Aviv to Toronto and from Los Angeles to London. It has become a global event in spirit, reminding the Jewish world that even in the diaspora, the connection to Israel remains deep and vital.

For many participating organizations, IDO5 is more than just a single-day event—it’s the culmination of a year-long educational journey focused on Israel. Students and community groups spend months learning about Israeli history, culture, and innovation. The creative work poured into the floats and performances is an extension of this learning process, fostering stronger Jewish identity and pride.

These efforts reinforce the underlying mission of IDO5: to build community through celebration, to educate through experience, and to stand with Israel through vibrant, visible support.

As the community eagerly anticipates this year’s parade, organizers encourage the public to stay updated via the Israel Day on Fifth website, which offers schedules, resources, and volunteer opportunities.

With “Hatikvah – The Hope” as its guiding light, the 2025 IDO5 is poised to be a powerful declaration of Jewish unity and resilience, a bold affirmation of Israel’s place in the world, and an unforgettable celebration that will echo down Fifth Avenue and across the globe.