Released hostages join annual Israel Day parade in New York City

New York’s Israel Day on Fifth, the annual Israel Day parade, kicks off Sunday morning with statements from released hostages Aviva and Keith Siegel, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Jewish community leaders.

Keith Siegel, who was freed in February 2025, says he cannot stress enough the horrendous conditions of captivity in Gaza, and notes that he personally knows four people still held in Gaza, mentioning brothers Ziv and Gali Berman, from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, by name.

“Aviva and I are on a mission,” he says. “We’re grateful for your support, it’s urgent.”

Aviva Siegel, who was released from captivity in the November 2023 truce, thanks the crowd multiple times.

“Keith is home,” she says. “I am the lucky one. I know what it feels like being held hostage in Gaza, touching death and being treated in such a brutal way.”

Parade organizers also introduce Dani Miran, whose son Omri is still held hostage in Gaza.

The overall mood of the parade is upbeat and cheerful on Fifth Avenue, with Israeli music playing in the background. There is a heavy police presence outside the barriers and on the sidewalks.

Hochul quotes President John F. Kennedy, who once called Israel a resilient people, a statement that she says has been tested over and over again.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would still be [58] hostages,” says Hochul. “My God, we will not rest until ‘bring them home is a reality.”

Schumer calls to the crowd, “Am Yisrael Chai! (The people of Israel live).”

He recalls that the remains of four American-Israeli dual citizens are still held in Gaza.

“I know how Ruby Chen is suffering,” he says, referring to the father of slain hostage Itay Chen.

New York Attorney General Leticia James is greeted by quiet boos from the crowd. She says that Israel and New York share the same values, and New York will celebrate Israel forever.