A prominent pro-Israel activist is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to dispatch the National Guard to the Big Apple to help protect marchers at the upcoming Israel Day Parade in the wake of a troubling increase in antisemitic incidents.
Americans Against Antisemitism founder Dov Hilkind said he’s a supporter of the NYPD but thinks local cops could use a boost — not just along the parade route in Manhattan but in the general vicinity of the march, as people carrying Israel flags or wearing pro-Israel gear could become targets of violence.
“We need to make sure bad things don’t happen,” said Hilkind a former state Assembly member who represented heavily orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in Brooklyn. “We want to make sure there is safety for the Jewish community. I’m calling on Governor Hochul to bring in the National Guard to help the New York City Police Department.”
Hochul has periodically dispatched the National Guard soldiers to man major transit hubs to assist in crime prevention.
But the head of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which hosts the 61st Israel Day Parade, said it is working closely with the NYPD and is not requesting Hochul to send in the National Guard.
“I have full faith and confidence in the greatest police department in the world, the NYPD, under the exceptional leadership of Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who has done a tremendous job ensuring the safety and success of major events and parades across New York City, including the Israel Day on Fifth parade in recent years,” JCRC CEO Mark Treyger told The Post.
“Commissioner Tisch, the NYPD, and all of our law enforcement partners have left no stone unturned in preparing for next Sunday’s parade.”
He said the Community Security Initiative, the joint security program of JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation of New York, is working “hand in hand” with law enforcement to help keep parade goers safe.
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“New Yorkers should know that extensive planning, coordination, and security infrastructure are in place to ensure a safe, successful, and joyful celebration next Sunday,” Treyger said. “We look forward to proudly celebrating our Jewish identity, our connection to Israel, and our appreciation for living in the best city in the world, New York City,.”
Hikind insisted extra security is warranted, given recent anti-Israel protests outside Jewish houses of worship such as the Park East Synagogue and Young Israel Senior Services in Midwood Brooklyn, a neighborhood he used to represent.
He also noted that Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a staunch critic of Israel, is boycotting the parade.
The parade is set for Sunday, May 31 and marches from 62nd Street to 74th Street on Fifth Avenue.
Hochul’s office said the New York State Police will have a presence at the Israel Day Parade, but stopped short of committing to dispatching National Guard soldiers.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is Governor Hochul’s top priority — especially as communities gather for major celebrations. At the Governor’s direction, State Police maintain an increased presence at large events throughout the state, and we will be closely coordinating with the NYPD and law enforcement partners in New York City to ensure the safety of all involved,” a Hochul spokesperson said.
National Guard personnel remain deployed at major transportation hubs, as well as at key bridges and tunnels within New York City, her office said.
State law enforcement continues to monitor social media activity and remain on high alert for any credible threats to New Yorkers’ safety, the governor’s team added.
