N.Y. Gives Israel a Vote of Confluence

Solidarity with Israel was on parade Sunday as tens of thousands of supporters marched up Fifth Avenue in the annual “Salute to Israel” parade.

Security was tight as religious leaders, politicians and groups from schools and organizations throughout the region marched through midtown.

Sidewalks were packed with spectators basking in the sun along the one-mile route. Organizers expected as many as 1 million viewers, but that number was unconfirmed.

A few hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered on a street next to the parade, but no incidents were reported.

Unlike many of the rallies seen in New York and around the country over the last few months, marchers stressed solidarity with Israel rather than deriding the Palestinian Authority and accusing its leader, Yasser Arafat, of being a terrorist.

However, politicians were quick to put support for Israel in the context of the current strife in the Middle East.

“Showing solidarity with Israel today is showing solidarity with America’s war on terrorism,” said Sen. Charles E. Schumer, a Democrat from New York who marched with his teenage daughter Jessica.

Before beginning the march, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg told reporters: “Between last year’s parade and this year’s parade, we had the terrible tragedy of 9/11, and if New Yorkers don’t stand up today, I don’t know when you would.”

Rabbi Zvi Ziegler, assistant principal of Westchester Day School, said a large turnout sent an important message.

“Not only the marchers should be here but the spectators, this year more than ever. Everyone should show solidarity with Israel,” he said.