From the Liveblog of
Sunday, June 4, 2023
‘Democracy for all’: Anti-overhaul protesters confront government ministers at NYC parade
Luke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
NEW YORK — Government ministers are heckled with cries of “Shame” from protesters on the sidelines of the Celebrate Israel Parade in New York.
The protesters hold signs reading “Shame,” “Democracy for all,” and “Oppose Israel’s authoritarian government.”
Several dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators also shout at parade participants from the sidewalk.
The main Israeli protest group is marching as members of the progressive organization Ameinu. There are several hundred marchers in the group bearing Israeli flags and chanting “democracy.”
Some bystanders shout against them from the sidelines in support of the government.
New York leaders including Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and Attorney General Tish James march at the front of the parade with US Jewish leaders.
The Israeli coalition members are in attendance as part of the “State of Israel” group, with members of the consulate in New York.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office requested that there be fewer ministers participating in the march, according to the Walla news site, after at least nine government ministers traveled or were planning to travel to New York to participate.
The annual march is a major event for the city’s Jewish community and a high-profile display of solidarity with the Jewish state.
