New York Governor Kathy Hochul has sharply rebuffed far-right political activist Laura Loomer after she alleged that the governor and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are conspiring to have police officers refrain from intervening at the upcoming Israel Day Parade in Manhattan. Loomer, a close ally of President Donald Trump, claimed on social media that a source told her Hochul is under pressure to skip the event and that Mamdani is instructing his staff that if Jewish attendees are not protected by police, they may not show up, as pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to gather.
In a pointed response, Hochul's press office reposted Loomer's comments, stating: 'Lies. The voices inside your head don't count as sources.' The exchange highlights the heightened tensions surrounding the annual parade, which is scheduled for the end of the month along Fifth Avenue from 62nd to 74th streets. The event, billed as the world's largest public display of support for Israel, will feature the tagline 'Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.'
Mamdani's Stance on the Parade
Mayor Mamdani, who has been a vocal critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza following the October 7 attacks, has confirmed he will not attend the parade. This decision has drawn criticism from Republican Assembly Member Michael Novakhov, who represents parts of Brooklyn. Novakhov called Mamdani's absence a 'disgraceful insult to New York's Jewish community,' noting that elected officials from both parties have historically stood with the Jewish community at the parade.
However, Mamdani has sought to reassure Jewish New Yorkers that his administration will ensure adequate security for the event. In a statement to the Jewish Telegraph Agency ahead of the November election, he said: 'While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety.' He also emphasized his commitment to combating hate crimes, proposing a $26 million budget for the city's Office to Prevent Hate Crimes—an 866% increase from the current $3 million. The Anti-Defamation League, which has previously targeted Mamdani, praised this move in a rare show of support.
Broader Political Context
Loomer's allegations also included a call for President Trump to send the National Guard to New York City to prevent what she described as Mamdani 'weaponizing the NYPD to help Palestinians carry out violence.' Hochul has previously stated that Mamdani lacks the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes, as federal law prohibits local or state enforcement of International Criminal Court warrants.
The Israel Day Parade, which has been a fixture in New York for decades, will proceed amid ongoing protests related to the conflict in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, over 72,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The parade's organizers have not commented on the recent controversy.
