MAIN Holidays & Observances Israeli Day Parade

Israeli Day Parade, also known as the Salute to Israel Parade, is an annual parade held in New York City each summer to celebrate the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.

The parade is billed by the organizers as the largest meeting of people in support of the nation of Israel in the world.

A typical Salute to Israel includes the blowing of shofars to open the festivities, followed by colorful floats, marching bands, celebrities, politicians, and various other participants parading 100,000 strong up Fifth Avenue to the delight of some 1 million spectators.

New York Salute to Israel Parade 2012

This year, the parade up Fifth Avenue is scheduled for Sunday June 3, 2012.

The parade has been an annual event in New York since its first year in 1964. It draws people of all ages from Jewish schools and synagogues, and a variety of other organizations.

The organization does not, however, draw much support from the actual Israeli community of New York, which stands at roughly 200,000 people.

Of course, a parade in support of the nation of Israel inevitably draws criticism and protests of a political nature. An annual accompaniment to the New York Salute to Israel Parade is the Palestinian protest, which consists of Palestinians and their various supporters.

Despite the protests, the parade is a chance for the New York Jewish community to show their pride and support, and the Israeli Day Parade is a fantastic event bringing together a diverse and festive group of people every summer, and should not be missed.

London UK Salute to Israel Parade

In 2008, the first ever UK Salute to Israel Parade was held in London and Manchester, which was similar in format and message to the original New York event. The UK Salute to Israel Parade drew an amazing forty five thousand people, and in future may become an annual event just like the New York original.

More about the Salute to Israel Parade around the Web:

Salute to Israel Parade - The official New York site with details on this year's celebration including the parade route, parade sponsors and how to register, map and directions.

Salute to Israel Parade - Wikipedia - Brief overview and history of the parade with related photos and resources.

Salute to Israel Parade UK - Photos, video and information with maps, London parade route and more details as parade day draws near.

also see Holidays & Observances -> Passover | Rosh Hashana | Yom Kippur

also see in Mideast Travel -> Israel Tourist Attractions