Mamdani "Offended" by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich Surprise March at Israel Day Parade Sun May 31 — Joined by Hochul, AG James, JFREJ; Schumer Marched Alongside Smotrich Despite "Genocide Complicity" Charge

Summary

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made an unannounced surprise appearance at Sun May 31 Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, marching alongside Knesset Speaker Ohana's 13-MK delegation. Mamdani statement Mon Jun 1: "You can see in the participation of the far-right Israeli minister Smotrich, as well as a number of other ministers, a vision of annihilation, a complicity in genocide, and frankly a belief that does not have much value for even the sanctity of children in Gaza. I am offended, as I know many New Yorkers are, by their participation." Hochul, AG Letitia James, JFREJ, and congressional candidate joined denunciation. Sen. Chuck Schumer marched alongside Smotrich despite the war-criminal accusations (Common Dreams framing). Forward editorial: "NYC's Israel Day parade was a shanda. It wasn't Mamdani's fault." Mamdani addressed at his WNYC 'Ask the Mayor' debut Tue Jun 2 10AM–Noon and a Mon Jun 1 press availability. Adds post-parade vindication to absence narrative.

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