This Sunday, we who live in the tri-state area will have the opportunity to publicly celebrate the State of Israel’s first 64 years as New York City hosts what has become a tradition over the last 48 years — the Salute to Israel Day Parade (sorry, I mean the Celebrate Israel Parade; more below on why the name change).
The parade is the largest gathering of Jews outside of Israel to celebrate the forming of the Jewish state. In the past, it was arranged by the Israel Tribute Committee with respect and dignity. This year, however, some of that respect and dignity may be diminished. Not only will school groups, Jewish organizations, synagogues of all stripes, Zionism-inspired artists and the like proudly proclaim their love for Israel, but this year’s parade will also see people marching who stand accused by some of actively working to undermine Israel. It matters little whether the accusation is a false one. This is a case in which perception counts more than reality.
I served on the Israel Tribute Committee’s board for several years between 2002 and 2009. My fellow members and I would argue over themes, color schemes, and logo designs. We sometimes fought over whether a band or an act was too parochial, too secular, or too awful, but we always agreed on this: No matter what we chose, it had to highlight the very best of Israel and those who wish the Jewish state well every day, and on parade day in particular. (Read the rest here)
Juda Engelmayer is President and Partner with the NY PR agency, HeraldPR
This article was adapted from a similar one in the Jewish Star, and it appeared in The Jewish Standard
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