AMMWEC President Dr. Anila Ali Leads Historic First-Ever Muslim Delegation in New York’s Israel Day Parade
Marching under a banner of “Muslims For Israel,” the delegation made history on Fifth Avenue — as NYC’s new mayor became the first in decades to skip the celebration.
In a moment that defied decades of assumed divisions, Muslim Americans marched proudly alongside Jewish neighbors, Christians, and interfaith allies down New York City’s Fifth Avenue — making history at one of the world’s largest pro-Israel gatherings.
NEW YORK CITY, NY — In a historic first for one of New York City’s most prominent public celebrations, AMMWEC‘s President Dr. Anila Ali led the first-ever Muslim delegation to march in the Israel Day Parade on Sunday, June 1, 2026. Marching proudly down Fifth Avenue under the banner “Muslims For Israel,” the delegation made history at one of the world’s largest pro-Israel gatherings, demonstrating that support for peace, coexistence, and interfaith solidarity can transcend political divisions and longstanding stereotypes.
The historic march took place amid an equally unprecedented political backdrop. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declined to attend the parade, becoming the first New York City mayor in decades to skip the event. While political leaders debated from afar, Muslim Americans stepped forward — publicly and proudly — to walk alongside their Jewish neighbors and allies.
“This is more than a parade. It is a declaration that the forces of peace are stronger than the forces of hate. We are proud Muslims, proud Americans, and proud believers in the Abrahamic bond that connects Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Our faith teaches us to build bridges, not walls.”
— Dr. Anila Ali, President, AMMWECAs thousands lined Fifth Avenue waving American and Israeli flags, the sight of Muslim men and women marching under a banner of friendship and solidarity drew applause, curiosity, and admiration from spectators and participants alike.
A Coalition for Coexistence
The delegation included representatives from AMMWEC, Muslim Israel Dialogue, Abraham PRC, Muslim Women Speakers, and the Global Youth Unity Project. Together, they carried a message that coexistence should not be compromised in New York City — irrespective of geopolitics abroad.
AMMWEC was among the first Muslim groups in America to publicly support the Abraham Accords, viewing them as a historic opportunity to promote reconciliation, economic cooperation, and regional stability across the Middle East.
“The extremists want the world to believe that Muslims and Jews are destined to be enemies. Today, on Fifth Avenue, we rejected that narrative. We chose friendship. We chose peace. We stand with our Abrahamic cousins even if New York’s new political leadership refuses to defend them.”
— Dr. Anila AliThe group reflected the full diversity of moderate Muslims — marching alongside Jews, Christians, Latino Americans, women leaders, students, and interfaith advocates. Particularly notable was the strong participation of New York’s Bangladeshi-American community.
Sheikh Musa Drammeh of Muslims-Israel Dialogue declared: “New Yorkers from all stripes reaffirm the unbreakable bond between New York and Israel today on Fifth Avenue.”
Gallery: Muslims For Israel on Fifth Avenue
International Reaction: Bennett Condemns Mayor’s Absence
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned Mayor Mamdani’s decision not to attend, calling the absence “cowardly.”
“At a time when Jews are being harassed, attacked in the streets, and told to hide or apologize for who they are, choosing to march is an act of courage. It is a declaration that Jews will not be intimidated and that the Jewish state will not disappear because others wish it would.”
“For more than 3,000 years, Zion, Jerusalem’s second name, and Zionism — attachment to Jerusalem and the land of Israel — have been foundations of Jewish identity.”
Source: The Jerusalem PostIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while not specifically mentioning Mamdani, also concluded his remarks with the declaration “Am Yisrael Chai!” — the Jewish declaration of national and spiritual perseverance.
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, called the scene on Fifth Avenue “thrilling,” stating: “Especially in this period when antisemitism is rearing its head and hatred of Israel is being encouraged by elected officials, we stand tall, proud of our identity, and proudly wave the flag of Israel. No one will make us lower the flags of Israel — not in New York, and not anywhere else in the world.”
Security & Scale
The annual Israel Day Parade attracted tens of thousands of participants under this year’s theme, “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.” Amid a sea of blue-and-white flags, marching bands, and community organizations, the AMMWEC delegation emerged as one of the day’s most powerful symbols of unity.
Amid heightened tensions, the New York Police Department announced that all Israel Day Parade attendees would be screened for prohibited items, including weapons, drones, and large bags, parcels, backpacks, and coolers — underscoring both the event’s significance and the security environment in which it took place.
For many observers, the image of Muslims carrying Israeli and American flags together on Fifth Avenue represented a powerful reminder that peace is built not by governments alone — but by courageous citizens willing to reach across divides. At a time when polarization dominates headlines and conflict dominates conversations, the historic participation of Muslims For Israel offered a different vision: one bound by mutual respect, and the belief that the children of Abraham can walk forward together.
About AMMWEC
The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment, religious freedom, interfaith cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. Through education, advocacy, and public engagement, AMMWEC works to counter extremism, defend human rights, and strengthen relationships among diverse faith and ethnic communities. Learn more at www.ammwec.org or contact info@ammwec.org.
Dr. Anila Ali
Dr. Anila Ali is the founder and president of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council. A prominent voice for moderate Islam, religious freedom, and U.S.-Muslim community engagement, she has been among the first Muslim leaders to publicly champion the Abraham Accords and interfaith coexistence across faith lines.
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