Democrats who marched in New York’s Israel Day parade decry attendance of far-right minister Smotrich
Summary
Several New York Democratic leaders joined the city's Israel Day parade but later criticized the participation of Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, who marched in the event. Parade organizers said they did not know Smotrich would attend and condemned his extremist views.Key Facts
- Bezalel Smotrich is Israel’s finance minister and a prominent far-right figure supporting Israeli settlements.
- Smotrich attended the New York Israel Day parade despite not being invited by the main organizers.
- Several New York Democratic leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, condemned Smotrich’s attendance and his extremist statements.
- The parade included many top New York politicians like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representatives Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend, citing opposition to the current Israeli government.
- Smotrich has called for annexing the West Bank and has made hateful remarks about Palestinians and LGBTQ+ people.
- The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC-NY), the parade organizer, said Smotrich’s attendance was arranged by the Israeli consulate without their knowledge.
- Countries including the UK and Canada have sanctioned Smotrich for inciting violence and human rights abuses.
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