Since October 7th, proudly walking around Manhattan as a Jew has been difficult. However, Ramaz students have been exceptional at standing up for Israel for the past eight months. From braving the subway decked in flags and jewelry to skipping class to hanging up hostage stickers around the upper east side, students have been proudly celebrating and supporting Israel. 

So, as the annual Israel Parade rolls around this June, students brought this same energy and pride to Fifth Avenue. This parade was mandatory and attendance was treated as if it was another day of school. However, it seems as if every year, there are many students who do not attend the parade for a variety of reasons. This year, the common theme of excuses among students not attending the parade is fear of the anti- semitic backlash. With antisemitism being rampant for months, it is clear that there will be many agitators protesting against Israel at the parade. 

While the overwhelming majority of the student body is attending the parade, there are many students who will not be participating. “I think it’s important for all students to go this year specifically because there’s a lot of hate and controversy surrounding Israel. It’s up to us to prove everyone wrong and show them the reality of being Jewish and a Zionist, a reality which is an honor.” Says Lindsay Chubak ’25. The reality is: going to the parade means we stand with Israel and nothing is more important now.