Fifth Avenue turned blue and white on Sunday as more than 40,000 people gathered for the 77th annual Celebrate Israel Parade. With this year’s theme of Hatikvah — “Hope” — the march carried added emotional weight, as families of hostages and supporters called for their return nearly 20 months after October 7.
The parade, stretching from 57th to 74th Streets, featured schools, synagogues, advocacy groups, and youth movements marching together. Yellow ribbons, hostage posters, and chants of “Bring Them Home” dominated the day, reminding spectators that this year’s celebration was tempered by grief and resolve.
“There’s more attention here than in Jerusalem,” said Yotam Cohen, brother of hostage Nimrod Cohen. His father, Yehuda, added bluntly: “The U.S. is doing more to free them than Israel.”
Floats carried released hostages and relatives of those still in captivity, while bystanders cheered, danced, and waved Israeli flags. Many said this year’s parade was not just about support — but about sending a message to elected officials ahead of local elections.
Dozens of local government officials and hopeful candidates running for office also joined the crowd, walking alongside constituents and speaking out in support of Israel and the hostages. Their presence underscored the political significance of the event, as well as the deep-rooted connection between New York’s Jewish community and the Jewish state.
“New York’s Jewish community must be visible,” said one Yeshiva University alum. “Especially now.”
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