NYPD unveils ‘most extensive’ security operation ever for Israel Day Parade as Mamdani sits out

The New York Police Department is preparing for the Israel Day Parade with what Commissioner Jessica Tisch called "the most extensive" security operation in the department's history. Tisch emphasized the NYPD's robust counterterrorism capabilities are being fully deployed for the event, stating, "we are not messing around with security at this year’s parade."

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To be blunt, we are not messing around with security at this year’s parade.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has been criticized for his decision to skip the annual parade, reaffirmed his stance on Thursday. Mamdani, a strong critic of Israel and supporter of the pro-Palestinian movement, said he had stated during his campaign that he would not attend. He added that his presence should not affect New Yorkers' safety.

The parade, themed "Proud Americans, Proud Zionists," is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants on Sunday. Tisch, who will march as an honorary grand marshal, noted that this year will feature the largest police presence ever assigned to the event. She described the parade as "the largest celebration of its kind outside of Israel" but acknowledged it occurs within a "heightened threat environment."

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I said on the campaign trail that I wouldn’t be attending the parade, and I’ve made my views on the Israeli government abundantly clear.

Attendees can anticipate a significant security presence, including counterterrorism teams, explosive detection canines, helicopters, drones, and other specialized units. Multiple designated screening entry points will be established, and major avenues will be closed. Tisch warned, "If you think you are too important to be screened, don’t come. There will be no exceptions."

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It’s the largest celebration of its kind outside of Israel, and for so many of us it’s one of the most joyful days of the year, but the sobering truth is it is also taking place in a heightened threat environment with multiple threat factors active at the same time.

Despite the heightened security, both Mamdani and Tisch stressed that there are "no current known specific or credible threats against the parade." When asked about the mayor's decision to skip the event, Tisch stated, "It’s the mayor’s decision not to march, and it’s my decision to march."

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If you think you are too important to be screened, don’t come. There will be no exceptions.