(NEW YORK, N.Y.) – Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum, pictured above with Rabbi Howard Stecker from Temple Israel of Great Neck and fellow congregants, was among the thousands of revelers who took to the streets of Manhattan for UJA Federation New York’s 54th annual Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, June 3.
“On a beautiful Sunday, thousands of revelers united in celebration of the strong, unique bond New Yorkers and Americans share with Israel,” Legislator Birnbaum said. “I am proud to join my constituents and fellow congregants in honoring Israel’s role as a global leader.”
According to organizers, the parade began in 1965 when thousands traversed Riverside Drive during an impromptu show of support for the state of Israel. This evolved into the Salute to Israel Parade, which was renamed the Celebrate Israel Parade in 2011. The parade features more than 40,000 marchers and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, Israeli community leaders and dignitaries, entertainers, artists and more.
Above: Legislator Birnbaum (second from right) is pictured with Rabbi Howard Stecker of Temple Israel of Great Neck; Michael Delafraz, Vice President of Sephardic Heritage Alliance Inc. (SHAI), Jonathan Hazghiyan, Vice President of United Mashadi Jewish Community of America (UMJCA) and Jacqueline Harounian, organizer of Temple Israel’s marching group.