New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, center, marching in the ‘Celebrate Israel’ parade. Photo: Twitter.

JNS.org – Forty-thousand people assembled Sunday on the streets of New York City for the 53rd annual Celebrate Israel Parade, one of the world’s largest pro-Israel gatherings.

Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue was decked in white and blue as American and Israeli officials joined the parade’s participants. Israeli officials in attendance included Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan and several Knesset members.

During the parade, Erdan announced the launch of the Israeli government’s 4IL website, which will combat online anti-Israel activism around the world.

“It is very exciting to see Fifth Avenue painted blue and white, and it is strong evidence of American support for Israel,” said Erdan, adding, “This year we also launched the 4IL site, which will enable all those who love Israel and march here and around the world to act against the lies that are spread against the state of Israel on the internet.”

Also at the parade, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the establishment of “Shimon Peres Day,” in honor of the late Israeli president and prime minister.

“This is a special day…named after one of the founding fathers of the state of Israel, an inspirational man and a visionary. We will always remember his strong connection to the United States and New York,” Cuomo said.