isk

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In light of recent tensions and a potential elevated risk of disruption by pro-Hamas protesters, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is ramping up security measures for the upcoming Israel Day Parade in Manhattan that is scheduled to take place on Sunday, according to a New York Post report that appeared on Friday.  This decision follows an internal memo warning of possible threats to the celebration, which comes in the wake of the brutal October 7 massacre by Hamas and subsequent anti-Israel protests across the city.

The Israel Day Parade, a significant annual event celebrating the heritage and culture of Israel, will proceed down Fifth Avenue from 56th Street to 74th Street. The Post report indicated that despite the heightened security concerns, officials have assured the public that there are no specific or credible threats currently being tracked for the parade.

On Friday afternoon, the Post reported that a seething mob of anti-Israel protesters busted inside the Brooklyn Museum, where they set up an encampment, made their way to the roof and draped a banner from the side of the building declaring the war in Gaza “genocide.” The Post also reported that the intruders — who were the vanguard of a massive demonstration nearly 1,000 people strong — scaled the building and rappelled down inside of the art museum with climbing, police sources said.

At a Friday briefing, city officials emphasized the importance of vigilance given the current climate. The Post reported that New York City Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the context, stating, “This is the first major large Jewish event since October 7th, and we are extremely conscious of the over 3,000 protests that took place in our city since that day. Many of them were orderly, but there have been a few that did not follow proper procedures.” The mayor’s comments reflect the city’s awareness of the potential for disruptions amidst ongoing tensions.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner also addressed the unique challenges posed this year, noting, “It would be hard to argue that the circumstances around this event this year are not different from years past,” as detailed in The Post report. Her statement draws attention to the increased caution being exercised by the NYPD in light of recent events.

The parade, a significant event for New York City’s Jewish community, will see an increased NYPD presence, including specialized units such as bike teams, aviation, K-9, and transit officers. Commissioner Edward Caban highlighted the comprehensive nature of the security measures in place.

In practical terms, the security measures at the parade will be more robust than in previous years. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey explained that the approach will be “a little bit more increased” from last year, while ensuring that the measures remain non-intrusive for New Yorkers. “It’s a scaled-down version of what we do on New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, J’Ouvert celebrations,” Maddrey told The Post, comparing the enhanced security to other major city events where significant precautions are taken.

The decision to boost security is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the Israel Day Parade amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions. The NYPD’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding participants and spectators while maintaining the celebratory spirit of the event, as was noted in The Post report.

This year’s Israel Day Parade is not just a cultural celebration but also a moment of resilience and solidarity for the Jewish community in New York City. The added security measures, while a response to potential risks, are also a testament to the city’s determination to protect its diverse communities and uphold the tradition of the parade.

“It’s all about safety for the communities, participants, and spectators. So we ask everybody to come out, come enjoy themselves,” Maddrey shared with The Post. He emphasized that while the NYPD respects the right to protest, any acts of violence or discord will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly.

Spectators will have access to the parade route through five designated points: 61st Street, 63rd Street, 66th Street, 70th Street, and 73rd Street. The report in The Post indicated that these entry points will be monitored by school safety agents who will conduct wanding, and counterterrorism personnel will be on site to ensure an added layer of security.

The theme for this year’s parade, “Bring Them Home Now!”, draws attention to the more than 120 hostages still held in Hamas captivity in Gaza since the brutal October 7 attack in which 1200 Israelis and others were brutally massacred the Post report affirmed. The organizing group, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, aims to highlight this issue through the parade’s message.

“This parade… is an affirmation of our love and pride, unwavering pride in our Jewish identity, our Jewish heritage, our community, our unwavering support for Israel and for the immediate release of the hostages that they are returned home back to their loved ones and their families,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of the council, at a briefing on Friday, according to The Post report.

He continued, “It is a testament to the city that we are. New York is a city for all people, including the vibrant Jewish community that helped positively contribute to New York and to American rights.”