Thousands marched in New York City’s annual Salute to Israel Parade.
Among those making the trek up Fifth Avenue marking the Jewish state’s 60th birthday were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Gov. David Paterson and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. The actress Lainie Kazan waved from one of the floats.
They were joined by contingents from the area’s yeshivas and Jewish day schools wearing their school T-shirts. Parade revelers hoisted Israel’s blue-and-white flag and sang Jewish songs.
Hundreds of spectators lined the parade route of more than a mile. Parade organizers said there were more than 100,000 marchers, The Associated Press reported..
“It’s important to show our solidarity with the only Democratic state in the Mideast,” Michael Bernstein, who came from nearby Long Island, told the AP.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.