Each year on a late spring Sunday, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life gather in New York to march in the Celebrate Israel Parade.
This event, held since 1964, has been recognized as the largest celebration of Israel and one of the largest gatherings of Jewish people worldwide.
And it has long held a special place in my heart as a proud Israeli politician and diplomat.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of marching there many times, as a member of the Knesset and as a cabinet minister.
Each experience has left me awestruck by the sheer strength, passion and unity radiating from New York’s Jewish community and its diverse allies from across the region.
The array of elected officials and cultural icons who’ve marched to celebrate Israel is truly remarkable to behold.
But I have always been simply a participant.
This year marks a significant first for me — I will lead the parade as Israel’s consul general in New York, a tremendous honor.
In normal times, it would be a joyful occasion.
But not this year.
Not after what happened on Oct. 7.
Just 238 days ago, the Hamas terror group carried out a barbaric and unprecedented assault on Israel.
They slaughtered over 1,200 innocent people across the southern region, raping women, burning babies alive and kidnapping hundreds of Israelis and foreign citizens, including Holocaust survivors, dragging them off to Gaza as hostages.
Even as we grieved and buried our dead, the international community’s tepid response emboldened antisemites worldwide, sparking a chilling surge in anti-Jewish hatred, including right here in New York.
Frightening scenes at Columbia University and other “elite” schools evoked haunting images of 1930s Europe — a devastating reminder that the world’s oldest hatred is sadly alive and well.
Tragically, this is the narrative of Jewish and Israeli history: a constant onslaught of intimidation, manipulation and existential threats.
In the mere 76 years since its rebirth, Israel has fought seven defensive wars, each time fending off explicit attempts to wipe its people off the map.
However, the Celebrate Israel Parade — organized annually by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York — is not just a celebration of good times, but a powerful statement of solidarity in darker ones.
It reminds us that Jews and the scores of good people who stand with our cause will always outlast those who seek our demise.
So, in the depths of our mourning, this year is actually the most fitting time I can remember to march for Israel.
Recent polling affirms that four out of five Americans continue to support Israel in its war to eliminate Hamas and bring home the hostages.
We are grateful for that support — standing on the right side of history is a very good place to be.
But we must do more than just stand.
In an age where newspaper headlines and social-media feeds try to weave a story of moral equivalency and Israeli isolation, it has never been more important for Israel’s champions to state their support loudly and proudly.
We must show the world that we are united against antisemitism, terrorism and sexual violence.
We must make clear that we will not compromise on democracy, religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
Marching with us is marching for the entire free world, for our shared values of equality, human rights and rule of law — in stark contrast to the forces of extremism, tyranny and violence that threaten everything we hold dear.
Alongside us will be 50 brave relatives of hostages kidnapped from their homes by Hamas on Oct. 7.
Their presence will be a poignant reminder of terror’s human toll — and of the urgent need to pressure Hamas through all channels to let our people go.
We march not only for Israel and the Jewish people but for these families, who have endured unimaginable pain and been subjected to unimaginable abuse.
On Sunday, June 2, I urge everyone to join me: I will walk down Fifth Avenue as a proud Jewish, Zionist Israeli, deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our American friends.
I will march alongside Jews and non-Jews alike, knowing that together, we are a force for change, for hope, and ultimately, for justice.
Ofir Akunis is Israel’s consul general in New York.