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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani tonight hosted his annual reception in honor of the Salute to Israel Parade at Gracie Mansion. From its inception in 1964, the parade seeks to showcase Jewish American traditions, celebrate the State of Israel, and affirm the community's pride in Israel's achievements.
Joining the Mayor at Gracie Mansion were Deputy Mayor Anthony P. Coles; Deputy Consul General of Israel Yosef Livne; Ambassador Yehuda Lancry, Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Judy Kaufthal, President of the Israel Tribute Committee; and other distinguished members of the Jewish community.
Mayor Giuliani said, "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I congratulate the State of Israel on its 52nd birthday and wish the people of Israel many future years of continued success. New York City is proud to have been home to Jewish New Yorkers for more than three and a half centuries. The warmth, spirit, achievements and humor contributed by the Jewish community have left an indelible mark on our City and it is virtually impossible to imagine New York without their invaluable contributions. I take this opportunity to wish the organizers of the Salute to Israel Parade a successful and joyful day."
The Salute to Israel Parade, a project of the Israel Tribute Committee, is the largest single gathering in support of Israel anywhere in the world. More than 75,000 marchers, 25 marching bands, and 30 floats will take part in the celebration and over one million spectators are expected to line the streets. The theme of this year's Parade is "Time" and each group of marchers has chosen and developed one aspect of the theme.
The Parade will be held on Sunday, June 4. For more information on the parade call the Israel Tribute Committee at 212-245-8200 extension 106.