54th Annual Celebrate Israel Parade Steps Off On The Upper East Side
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- With tensions in the Middle East escalating in recent weeks, security was extra tight at Sunday's Israel Day Parade in Manhattan.
But there were no incidents -- and even the rain held off -- as the celebration marched on, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.
The parade encouraged lots of blue and white to flow along Fifth Avenue. The celebration, with music and cheering, observed the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The parade started at 57th Street and stretched north to 74th.
Ambassador Dani Dayan, consul general of Israel in New York, told CBS2's Carlin he was eager to help put the day in historical perspective.
"When you compare where we were 70 years ago from the ashes of the holocaust, it's simply miracle what we've achieved in 70 years and we want to share that celebration," Dayan said.
"I've been marching every single year and I will continue as long as I can," said Devorah Halberstam, director of foundation and government at the Jewish Children's Museum. "Israel is great. I'm proud to be a Jew that supports Israel."
Security was conspicuously enhanced. Law enforcement was more than a 1,000 officers strong, with some escorting bomb-sniffing dogs along the route. Others were positioned as lookouts and sharpshooters on rooftops. Sanitation trucks filled with sand were posted at intersections. No incidents were reported.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was an honorary grand marshal at the parade. He talked about diversity in the state, saying the parade is the perfect opportunity to celebrate that.
"New York wouldn't be New York without the Jewish community," Cuomo added. "We view diversity as a strength."
Talia Hazan of Kew Gardens said Queens is where she was born but Israel, which she visits often, feels like home.
"It's just like a very happy country. The vibes there and the energy is so bright and happy," Hazan said.
The same could be said of Sunday's parade, celebrating Israel.
