The NYPD will boost security measures at Sunday’s Israel Day Parade in Manhattan, after it warned of a possible “elevated risk of disruption” following Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 massacre — which has sparked ugly anti-Israel protests across the city.
An internal NYPD memo warned of the potential threat at the celebration, which marches down Fifth Avenue from 56th Street to 74th Street.
However, officials said at a Friday briefing that they are not tracking any “specific or credible threats” at the parade.
The extra caution comes as anti-Israel protests have already rocked the Big Apple over the past several months – including at major events such as the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“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,” Mayor Eric Adams told reporters Friday. “Many of them were orderly, but there have been a few that did not follow proper procedures.”
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence & Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner noted that “it would be hard to argue that the circumstances around this event this year are not different from years past.”
Security measures at the parade will be “a little bit more increased” from last year – but will be nothing intrusive or over-the-top for New Yorkers, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said.
“It’s a scaled down version of what we do on New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, J’Ouvert celebrations,” the official said.
“It’s all about safety for the communities, participants and spectators. So we ask everybody to come out, come enjoy themselves,” Maddrey added.
“If you come to protest, we respect your right to protest but we will not tolerate any violence or discord. We will address it accordingly.”
NYPD presence at the gathering will include the department’s bike teams, aviation, K-9, transit, and other specialized units, Commissioner Edward Caban said.
Spectators can enter the parade route at five access points: 61st Street, 63rd Street, 66th Street, 70th Street, and 73rd Street.
They will be wanded by the department’s school safety agents, and counterterrorism personnel will also be on hand, Maddrey said.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Bring Them Home Now!” drawing attention to the more than 120 hostages still held by Hamas since Oct. 7, according to the organizing group, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
“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,” Mark Treyger, CEO of the council, said Friday.
“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.”
