NY's 'Celebrate Israel Parade' turns Manhattan blue and white - watch live

Around 40,000 participants were expected to partake in the event from numerous organizations.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israel Celebration Parade took place on Fifth Avenue in New York (photo credit: ISRAEL MISSION TO THE UN)
Israel Celebration Parade took place on Fifth Avenue in New York
(photo credit: ISRAEL MISSION TO THE UN)
The annual Celebrate Israel Parade in Manhattan took place on Sunday.
The parade has been organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) since 2011. The first parade like this was in 1965 and led to the annual tradition.
A diplomatic delegation of UN ambassadors and diplomats from around the world is taking part in the event, led by Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon.
"This is a demonstration of support of Israel by the international community and it is great to be here and see New York painted blue and white," said German Ambassador to the United Nations Christoph Heusgen.
The delegation includes UN ambassadors from Australia, Germany, Ukraine, Norway, Nigeria and other countries.
Around 40,000 participants were expected to partake in the event from numerous organizations.
The parade marched down Fifth Avenue from 57th to 74th Streets and its theme celebrates "Rak B'Yisrael" - meaning "Only in Israel."
"Only in Israel," the event website reads, "where in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.
"Where ancient villages stand beside ultra-modern cities.
"Where a 2,000 year old language was resurrected for modern speech.
"Where exiles from the four corners of the world have come home.
"Where skill and chutzpah together make the impossible come true.
"Where barren deserts are transformed into flourishing fields.
"Where diverse cultures produce a fusion of global cuisine.
"Where pioneers build new frontiers in science and technology.
"Where water can be produced from thin air.
"Where those with incurable diseases are cured.
"Where if you will it, it is no dream."