'No Celebration of Occupation': Jewish Protesters Try to Block 'Celebrate Israel' Parade in N.Y.C.

Tens of thousands attend parade held under the banner of 'Celebrate Israel All Together'

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People participate in the 'Celebrate Israel' parade along 5th Ave. in New York City, U.S., June 4, 2017.
STEPHANIE KEITH/REUTERS

Tens of thousands of people lined Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue to show their support for Israel on Sunday afternoon, drawing protest from the Jewish anti-occupation organization IfNotNow.

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The “Celebrate Israel” parade was held under the banner of “Celebrate Israel All Together.” The parade also recognized 50 years of the reunification of Jerusalem.

Nine members of Israel’s parliament were scheduled to march in the parade, as well as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio also marched in the parade. Some 30 floats and 11 marching bands were scheduled to be part of the parade.

Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber joined Barkat and kosher chef Jamie Geller as honorary grand marshals.

Cuomo was joined in the parade by Chemi Peres, son of the late Former Prime Minister Shimon Peres; prior to the parade Cuomo declared the day, and every first Sunday of June, Shimon Peres Day in New York.

The parade was protested by IfNotNow, which attempted to block the parade route carrying a sign reading “No Celebration of Occupation.” Police intervened, walking between the marchers and protesters.

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