More than 1,500 students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Yeshiva University (YU) marched up Fifth Avenue, singing, cheering and waving flags, saluting Israel’s 67th year of independence at the annual Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, May 31.

YU President Richard M. Joel cheerfully led the enthusiastic marchers with representatives from Stern College for Women, Yeshiva College, Sy Syms School of Business, the affiliated high schools, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

“Every day of the year Yeshiva University proudly flies Israel’s flag on our campus,” said President Joel. “Today, we had the opportunity to march together into the future by the thousands as we supported Israel in a joyous and meaningful way.”

“Our coming together represents our responsibility to support the State of Israel, recognizing that the state is a gift from God,” said Rabbi Kenneth Brander, vice president of University and community life.

New York Congresswoman Kathleen Rice marched with YU, saying, “I’m thrilled to be here with Yeshiva University. As a congresswoman in the greatest country and a New Yorker it’s critically important to show support for Israel—especially at this time in history.”

“We’re here to show support of the State of Israel,” said Stern College student Jamie Baum, Brooklyn.

“Even though we are living in America we still care and feel connected. YU is kind of a microcosm of what the parade stands for, with a presence in America while maintaining a Jewish and Zionist identity.”

“I was just in Israel,” said Yeshiva College student Jared Rutner of West Orange, New Jersey. “Being in Israel is the best way to support Israel, second best is the Celebrate Israel Parade. It’s the best forum to display support for Israel.”

“As a parent of a recent YU graduate and a current Stern student, and as an alumna, it makes me proud to march with Yeshiva University 27 years after my graduation,” said Stacy Weiss Zeitz.