The world’s “largest Jewish city” today held its ninth annual Salute to Israel Parade to celebrate Israel’s 25th anniversary. Some 75,000 people marched two miles up Fifth Avenue from 57th Street to 86th Street and east on 86th to Third Avenue while 35,000 watched along the parade route. Seventy floats and nearly 100 Jewish groups from the metropolitan area participated in the four-hour parade, and 30 bands from 10 states and Canada competed for awards.
The mood of the predominantly young marchers was joyous and relaxed as they chanted, danced, and sang Israeli songs. The parade’s theme, “Israel-25 Years: The Promise-The Accomplishment-The Future,” was expressed in floats, props and costumes which represented subjects ranging from the flowering of the Israeli desert to the plight of Soviet Jews.
Youths dressed in prison clothes and bearing wooden prison bars on their backs displayed the names of “Jewish prisoners of conscience in the USSR.” Others waved banners praising Israel’s achievements in the past 25 years and proclaiming the solidarity of Jews here with Israel. Spectators and those sitting in the reviewing stands applauded as the floats and groups passed.
Ambassador David Rivlin, Consul General of Israel, told the crowd: “It is wonderful after the Holocaust to see these young people singing and dancing in the streets…We should look forward to days of peace in the Middle East.” Simcha Dinitz. Israeli Ambassador to the United States, who was a special guest at the parade, spoke of Israel’s economic and social achievements in the 25 years of its existence and emphasized Israel’s desire for peace.
Mario Biaggi, the Conservative Party candidate for Mayor who last week lost in the Democratic Mayoral primary, said: “Israel must continue to receive support from this (the U.S.) government…. In order to preserve the bastion of democracy on the other side of the world we must take note of its problems and provide support whenever it is necessary.”
New York City Comptroller Abraham Beame, who will run in the Democratic Mayoral primary run-off election on June 26, said: “The survival and establishment of the State of Israel is one of the wonders of the modern world.” Mayor John V. Lindsay, who hosted a garden party at Gracie Mansion in honor of Israel’s 25th anniversary later today, expressed his hope that “Israel will live and prosper forever.”
Sen. Jacob K. Javits (R.N.Y.) congratulated Israel and the Jewish community and called the parade “one of the most magnificent displays of happiness and tranquility that we’ve had in this city.” Among those on the reviewing stand were Israeli Ambassador Yosef Tekoah, Congresswoman Bella Abzug and Congressman Herman Badillo. Senator James Buckley sent a telegram of congratulations. The parade was organized by the American Zionist Youth Foundation in cooperation with major Jewish organizations.
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