In 1964, I was one of a legion of young Hebrew School kids from across the US who were studying the Hebrew alphabet, learning about Israel and the history of our people and saving dimes to plant a tree in a Jewish National Fund forest somewhere in Israel. I recall that one of my proudest moments was being invited to represent my family’s synagogue as a flag-bearer at the start of the first major Israel parade in the US, held on Fifth Avenue. Hineini! (I’m here), supporting a homeland I had never visited (yet!).
Many years later, I took my first trip to Israel. My sister was marrying an Israeli and my parents, younger brother and I flew El Al to celebrate their nuptials. I believe we had to walk on the tarmac to enter the airport – and yes, I may have kissed the ground upon stepping off the plane.
Fast forward to the early ‘90s, when my synagogue was disinvited from marching with our LGBTQ-identified banner in the Israel Day Parade. That year, in solidarity, some Reform synagogues and politicians boycotted the parade and attended an alternative pro-Israel event at Central Synagogue’s Community House in midtown Manhattan.
The following year, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York stepped up as parade organizer and everyone was welcome to march. It was very exciting for me to march along the parade route with a large out, loud and proud LGBTQ contingent.
Over the years, I’ve alternated between marching with Hadassah and the LGBTQ contingent (except the past two years, when I marched with “Bring Them Home Now,” whose mission was to advocate for the release of Israel’s hostages in Gaza). But regardless of which group I was with, my allegiance remained the same: out, loud and proudly Zionist!
This May, I marched with Hadassah. Honestly, I must add that I was ashamed of New York City Mayor Zohran Mandani’s decision – and the decision of some “progressive” Jewish organizations and synagogues (including my own) – to skip the Israel Day Parade.
For the record: I definitely do not endorse every action of the Israeli government; nor do I agree with all that’s happening in my beloved America. But my mind can separate the governments’ specific actions from the countries: I’m a proud American who loves her country, and I’m a proud Zionist who believes in the importance of the Jewish State of Israel’s existence. Period!
Given the rise of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiments and actions in the US and around the world, I felt that marching in this year’s Israel Day Parade provided me with a unique opportunity to stand with the Jewish community at a time when many of us feel isolated, targeted and fearful.
Hineini! I am here, marching with Hadassah and 60,000 enthusiastically singing and dancing, Israel-loving parade-goers.
I was delighted to learn that, for the first time in the Israel parade’s history, many like-minded Muslims marched, too, along with Jewish school children, members of synagogues and community organizations and Holocaust survivors – all in support of Israel.
All of us marched up Fifth Avenue together, sharing one simple message: The Jewish people have a right to exist, safely in our homeland.
Honestly, marching in the Israel Day Parade should not be so controversial. It does not celebrate war or condone current Israeli politics. It’s a celebration of our identity, survival and connection to a land dating back to biblical times.
We march together to support a future where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in peace, dignity and security.
Hineini! I’m here!
Peace. Shalom. Salaam.
Am Yisrael Chai! The nation of Israel lives!
Ruth Gursky currently serves on Hadassah’s National Assembly and holds national portfolios on the United Nations, Youth Aliyah and Jewish Education Teams. She is also an attorney in her own practice, handling residential real estate closings, wills and estates. Additionally, she is a Certified Personal Trainer and Running Coach who brings her captivating energy and enthusiasm to help clients of all ages achieve their wellness, fitness and running goals.