By Jim Thomas | Saturday, 30 May 2026 12:57 PM EDT
Congressman Mike Lawler, a Republican representing New York’s 17th District, accused Mayor Zohran Mamdani of “playing directly to stereotype” for skipping New York City’s Israel Day parade on Saturday, warning of political consequences for ending a six-decade tradition of city officials attending the event.
Lawler stated that many New Yorkers and Americans believe Mamdani is an antisemite. He said the mayor’s decision to skip the annual event—where New York City hosts the largest Jewish population outside Israel—“speaks volumes” about Mamdani’s conduct, rhetoric, and associations.
Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor sworn in this year, will be the first sitting mayor since 1964 to bypass the Sunday march up Fifth Avenue. The event is billed as the largest celebration of Israel outside the Jewish state.
Lawler announced he would march in Mamdani’s place, stating: “I will be there tomorrow, proudly marching up Fifth Avenue in support of our Jewish Americans here in New York.”
The congressman, who represents Rockland, Putnam, and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties, criticized Mamdani’s decision as a basic failure of his duties. “I show up in every community because that’s the job,” Lawler said, contrasting his approach with the mayor’s.
Lawler also highlighted Mamdani’s November election results, noting he won roughly 50.4% of the vote in a three-way race against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. “Mayor Mamdani barely got above 50% of the vote,” Lawler said. “Even in New York, where nearly 50% of New Yorkers rejected his rank, antisemitism and socialism.”
Mamdani, who has described himself as pro-Palestinian and accused Israel’s government of genocide in Gaza, confirmed he would honor a campaign pledge to skip the parade while still supporting security for marchers. “I take seriously my responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of every New Yorker and every event, regardless of my attendance,” he said at a briefing with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who will serve as grand marshal.
Lawler stated that Mamdani’s decision was “a very bad one” and predicted “blowback” for it.
