NEW YORK CITY
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, thousands of New Yorkers will take to Fifth Avenue for the annual Celebrate Israel Parade—and the Bukharian Jewish community should be front and center. As a vibrant and integral part of Jewish life both in Israel and New York, our presence at this year’s parade is more important than ever.
The Bukharian community will once again march with COJECO, the Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations, alongside fellow Russian-speaking Jews from across New York and New Jersey. “We invite you to join COJECO and the Russian-speaking Jewish community…as we proudly march…in support of Israel,” reads the official invitation. All are welcome to join, but must register with an organization’s delegation to participate.
In recent years, the Bukharian Jewish Congress of the USA and Canada has coordinated a powerful turnout, and last year’s parade was no exception. The 2025 march brought together synagogues, schools, and community organizations up and down Fifth Avenue, with Dina and Josh Bernstein of Lawrence, marching as part of the Long Island delegation, summing up the spirit of the day: “We’ve been marching since we were 23 and it is with greater intensity now,” said Mr. Bernstein, 85. Six former hostages were welcomed as heroes, and the parade was more emotionally charged than ever, with the weight of 58 hostages that at that time were still held in Gaza felt by every participant.
The parade has drawn major Jewish figures and celebrities in recent years. In 2024, Israeli Eurovision sensation Eden Golan—who moved audiences across Europe with her powerful performance representing Israel—joined the march, a stirring reminder of the cultural pride and international solidarity that defines the event.
Chief Rabbi Baruch Babaev, who marched with the community, reminded us why our participation matters: “Our community has a deep and enduring connection to Israel. We are proud to stand with Israel, and we value the opportunity to express our support in such a public and visible way.”
Rafael Nektalov, a key organizer of the Bukharian delegation, added, “It’s a great honor for us to represent our community and show our unwavering support for Israel. We are proud of our heritage and our connection to Israel.”
This year’s parade follows a period of immense pain and uncertainty for Israel and Jews worldwide. Antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate crimes are on the rise in New York – and across the world. The Israel Parade stands as a symbol of unity, pride, and resilience.
The Bukharian community, diverse, passionate, and deeply rooted in both Israeli and American life, belongs at the forefront of that statement.
Let’s show up and march together, proudly and visibly, for Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Registration is free, but a suggested donation of $36 per person is encouraged to help cover costs for registration, free t-shirts (while supplies last), and transportation. For more information and to register, visit COJECO’s Facebook page.
By Erin Levi