Thousand march up Fifth Avenue in Salute to Israel Parade

By Karen Matthews
Associated Press Writer
May 23, 2004
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/
ny-bc-ny--israelparade0523may23,0,4399168.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

NEW YORK -- Thousands of people marched up Fifth Avenue in the 
annual Salute to Israel parade on Sunday, many hoisting signs 
celebrating this year's theme of tourism to the Jewish state. 

"There's a message here, and the message is that Israel is 
constantly under attack, as are freedom-loving peoples around 
the world," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. 

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion said he was leaving for 
Israel later Sunday with a delegation of Hispanic and black 
clergy members. 

"We're going to Israel at this time to send several messages," 
Carrion said. "One, a signal of support to the state of Israel. ... 
Also to educate the folks who speak to the flock and have them 
bring back a message." 

Contingents from synagogues, yeshivas and Jewish philanthropic 
organizations sang and folk-danced under the unseasonably hot sun. 

Some were promoting tourism to particular areas of Israel, 
like a group carrying inflatable rafts for a beach trip to Eilat. 

Several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters were held back behind 
two layers of police barricades in front of the Plaza Hotel. 

"We're just trying to get our message across," said Jack Cohen 
of Jews Against the Occupation. "End the occupation of the West 
Bank and Gaza." 

The crowds lining Fifth Avenue from midtown to the parade's end 
at 79th Street were sparse but enthusiastic. 

"It's a great feeling that we are not alone," said Pavel Kuznatsov 
of West Hartford, Conn. 

Arlene Feldman of New Hyde Park, N.Y. said her son and daughter 
were going to Israel and she was planning to visit in October 
herself. 

"I'm not afraid," she said. "If we don't go, who's going to go?"