'Don’t Overlook Their Plight': Freed Hostages Add Urgency to Low-Key Israel Day Parade in New York

' Don't Lose Sight of Them': Released Captives Add Urgency to Low-Key Israel Day Parade in New York

Many thousands participated in New York City’s pro-Israel march in Manhattan—the second such event since October 7—with the ongoing hostage situation being a primary focus. Even though energetic Zionist youth organizations were present, the sparse crowd of onlookers highlighted Israel’s increasing isolation as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.

May 19th, 2:00 AM May 19th, 2:00 PM

NEW YORK – Thousands of supporters of Israel took part in the yearly Israel Day Parade in Manhattan, making it yet again the biggest one-day pro-Israel gathering globally.

The second demonstration following the October 7 assault, the continuous hostage situation undoubtedly dominated the day’s agenda more than anything else, despite the event's organizers formally stating this year's theme as "Hatikvah."

The parade demonstrated steadfast backing for Israel from both the American-Jewish community and Israelis. Over the past few years, it has progressively mirrored right-leaning perspectives, coming into closer alignment with the policies of the Israeli government.

This observation was common among most of the marching ensembles, which performed Israeli popular tunes along with hymns about the Messiah’s coming set to simplistic pop melodies. Many of these groups also adorned the captives with the required yellow ribbons and shouted slogans like “let them return.”

Several Gaza conflict demonstrations—including an event organized by anti-occupation advocates aimed at confronting a minor gathering of Israeli cabinet members and prominent settlement figures—failed to take place as scheduled because of stringent police blockades.

Approximately 30 members of the Israelis for Peace group staged demonstrations a few blocks away from the conference. The police worked to maintain order between these demonstrators and more conservative bystanders who disagreed with their message.

For numerous organizations participating in the parade aside from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the atmosphere was somewhat optimistically described as festive. This sentiment starkly contrasts with the prevailing sentiments among most Israelis, who are grappling with heightened anxieties related to the Gaza conflict and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s growing estrangement internationally.

Stepping back from the enthusiastic gatherings of Jewish day schools and Zionist youth movements, the scarcity of observers relative to previous years was striking.

Almost thirty city blocks from what is considered one of the most bustling areas in the busiest cities globally were closed off to pedestrian traffic. This move came as tensions escalated between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators recently. The situation reached an unparalleled level of violence when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited New York City last month. Due to this unrest, both local authorities and event planners decided against taking risks.

Consequently, much of the parade route seemed as deserted as a ghost town.

Although pedestrians were able to traverse each segment of a quarter-mile, and enthusiasts congregated close to the end point, the pro-Israel pride parade, which was streamlined and strictly managed, served as an evocative symbol for Israel’s present position globally.

The group from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum was among the most substantial contingents taking part in the march. Although they did not share the same level of cheerfulness as others in the procession, their determination and focus were clearly visible.

Many attendees — comprising numerous freed captives and relatives of those killed during the hostage situation — donned identical black garments inscribed with "bring them home now." They also carried signs displaying the numeral 58, representing the count of hostages still held captive, alongside Israeli flags featuring a yellow ribbon superimposed upon the Star of David symbol.

Participants additionally held up placards featuring the images of hostages along with their names and the message "don’t forget me, bring me home."

Participating in the parade will be former hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel (both U.S. citizens), along with Doron Steinbrecher, Ilana Gritzewsky, Andrey Kozlov, and Eliya Cohen (and his companion, Ziv Abud from the Nova festival tragedy).

"Keith is back at home, thank you, thank you, thank you. I feel incredibly fortunate; I wish every hostage could return home just as Keith did and like Edan Alexander. This moment is etched in my memory forever," stated Aviva alongside a group of bipartisan U.S. legislators and prominent Israeli diplomatic representatives—including Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon and Israel’s Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis.

"I understand what it’s like living in Gaza. I’m familiar with the experience of facing mortality and enduring such harsh treatment. We ought to unite and help bring them back home immediately,” she went on to say.

Attending as well were Ronen and Orna Neutra—the Israeli-American couple whose son Omer was killed, with his body still held captive—and Ruby and Hagit Chen, whose late Israeli-American son Itay is also being detained in Gaza.

Adam Elbaz, one of the participants, informed Haaretz that joining the forum’s march aimed at bringing attention to individuals who remain captive. He stated, “I am contributing my part to illuminate their situation.”

Another participant, Almog Sagui, emphasized that the procession was a clear appeal to both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump to return the remaining hostages. She stated, "This is a means of demonstrating to the world our insistence on having everyone returned safely."

Although numerous families have openly condemned Netanyahu's behavior – particularly his prioritization of his political future over the wellbeing of their relatives – there were virtually no indications of political disagreement within the boundaries of the parade.

In fact, Chen prominently marched alongside high-ranking Israeli officials such as Culture Minister Miki Zohar, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, and Yitzhak Wasserlauf, all part of an official Israeli government delegation.

The Israeli officials participating in the parade, along with various other members of parliament and high-ranking diplomats from Israel, frequently face condemnation from demonstrators who feel let down by these individuals' influence on Israeli democracy. This dissatisfaction compounds due to their insufficient backing for both the hostages and calls for a ceasefire.

These demonstrations fell short, as numerous participants expected the procession to remain non-political. This viewpoint was evidently held by many from the Jewish-American leftist community, causing some to refrain from joining the parade despite their previous attempts at providing a contrasting influence in recent times.

Although the parade showcased significant support for Israel’s more militant backers, their influence will face scrutiny during Monday's Jerusalem Post yearly conference. This event will feature prominent Trump administration figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Hostage Affairs Envoy Adam Boehler as keynote speakers.

Witkoff and Boehler will be present as they emphasize the lack of daylight between themselves and Israel, even as they speak to the public shortly after Trump bypassed Israel during his Middle Eastern visit. This comes at a time when he is becoming more aware of the humanitarian situation in Gaza due to input from his Arab counterparts.

This development follows closely after Witkoff and Boehler attempted to secure the release of remaining hostages without going through the Israeli government, which proved successful with Alexander being freed the previous week.