Like many Jewish New Yorkers, I have a lot of history and memory associated with the Celebrate Israel Parade. With the exception of the year my family lived in Israel in 2005, I’ve logged more miles than I can count, marching (or watching as a spectator) at least 45 times. In more recent parades, I’ve been marching the route multiple times — taking turns with elected officials, UJA’s float, and my kids’ school.

I vividly recall my children marching at every age — wearing t-shirts of every color. Some years, we baked in the sun; other times, we were completely waterlogged. With funding from UJA, our partner, the Jewish Community Relations Council, puts on the parade “rain or shine.” But, for me, once the marching begins, I forget about the weather.

Perhaps it’s because I still feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude every time I “step off” (that’s parade lingo) from the side streets that serve as the staging area and begin walking up the great expanse of Fifth Avenue. I’m able to march openly up the grandest street in the greatest city celebrating the modern State of Israel. That’s something I don’t — and won’t — ever take for granted.

None of us should. So for this one day — Sunday, June 3rd —whatever our politics, whatever our differences, please join me in showing the world that the New York Jewish community, in all its diversity, comes together for Israel.

This year is also Israel’s 70th birthday, so if you haven’t come out in a while, this milestone moment is the perfect time to put on your marching shoes or cheer from the sidelines. As of now, the weather forecast calls for some clouds and a balmy 68 degrees. We’d love you to be part of the UJA contingent, already 225 strong. And if you need even more enticement, our float is going to be decorated like the Tel Aviv beach, beach balls included. We’ll be stepping off from 52nd Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues; please meet us there and check in with a staff member before 12:45 p.m.

I look forward to creating new parade memories with you this Sunday!

Shabbat shalom