The growing presence of Orthodox groups among Israel supporters at the annual Salute to Israel Parade, caught the eye of Ha’aretz reporter Chemi Shalev. Over 35,000 marchers danced and sang their way up Fifth Avenue, from 57th to 79th Street, at the Celebrate Israel parade with the attendance of NY Pols and NYC’s mayoral candidates.

“The clear majority of the marchers belonged to Orthodox schools and yeshivas, sported kippot for males and modest dress for females, and separated boys from girls. A not-insignificant number of delegations also sported orange shirts, the color associated with the settler protests against the Gaza disengagement. And while many non-Orthodox groups also participated in the parade, their numbers were small in comparison to the large Orthodox contingents.

“This makeup was reflected in the crowds as well, which were comprised of elderly New Yorkers and many religious Jews from both Israel and New York. There were very few onlookers who appeared to represent the kind of young, non-Orthodox Jews that make up the majority of the Jewish population in Manhattan and many parts of Brooklyn.”

Republican mayoral hopeful John Catsimatidis rode the parade on a float which had a large banner stating “Catsimatidis Loves Israel”. Alongside, Hasidic and Israeli boys were dancing with Na-Nach yarmulkes to a DJ blasting away Jewish songs.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)