Spectators gather for Israel Day Parade along Fifth Avenue

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Spectators gathered in Manhattan on Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade, a longtime celebration of Israel and an important event for many in the city's Jewish community.

The parade route stretched from East 55th Street north along Fifth Avenue to 74th Street. Organizers said in advance that security would be extremely tight and layered.

The NYPD created an expansive secure zone on the streets and avenues along the route. Anyone entering the area in Midtown was screened at checkpoints, while barriers were set up as far as the eye could see.

Many said in the current heightened threat environment that they welcome the protection.

"After the scene we saw in New Orleans and other places where there were large crowds and particularly with Jewish people and antisemitism," said Kevin Gross.

Jewish pride was out on full display with people from different generations taking part in the parade.

Deborah Okuneye says she came for very specific reasons, one not being her support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"A sense of community, history, supporting the existence of the State of Israel and not supporting the government because governments are transitory, just like I don't support the government here and I'm a proud American," said Okuneye.

There was support and applause for Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday as she signed the so-called 'Buffer Bill,' the first-of-its-kind legislation in New York creates a 50-foot zone around religious institutions -- free of protesters.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch was front and center as a Grand Marshal, along with a long list of politicians and former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Not present was Mayor Zohran Mamdani, breaking with tradition and choosing not to attend.

"We don't want him anyway, if he doesn't want to be here, but I think he's making a political statement that is loud and clear, said spectator Michael Cohen.

As for Mayor Mamdani, others say they don't agree on his views on Israel, but they respect his choice to not be there.