Macy’s Day Parade balloons to brighten Jewish unity event in Jerusalem

In time for Chanukah, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade comes to Jerusalem for an event symbolizing unity between Israel and Diaspora Jews.

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

Many of the huge balloons that decorate the world-famous Macy’s Parade, which marches through New York City every Thanksgiving, will be coming to Jerusalem for an event symbolizing unity between Israel and Diaspora Jewry on December 3, the first night of Chanukah, Ynet reported.

The brainchild of the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, the parade, dubbed “Together – Walking with World Jewry,” will be one of the biggest “happenings” in Jerusalem ever. Chanukah is traditionally a child-centric holiday, so barring bad weather, the parade is sure to bring out huge family crowds.

Floats will carry giant artists’ displays, there will be a convoy of classic cars, and members of the local Hapoel Jerusalem basketball team will be part of the procession.

Like the New York parade, the event will feature Balloons of Mickey Mouse,  Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” and other cartoon characters as well as marching bands. Musical performances by various stars, including internationally known Jewish vocalists Matisyahu and rapper Nechi Nech, will perform at Sultan’s Pool, opposite the Old City walls, at the conclusion of the event.

With the help of Tel-Aviv based Beit Hatfutsot – the Museum of the Jewish People, an exhibition about world Jewry will be included in the program.

As another gesture of unity in the face of rising Jew-hatred across the globe, the ministry is hoping to fly in members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community, which suffered the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history when Robert Bowers shot 11 worshipers dead in a synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of the city on October 27.

Launched in 1924, the traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is among the world’s largest. The event lasts throughout the morning of the fourth Thursday of November as dozens of massive floats and balloons of cartoon characters, superheroes and other kiddy images wind around 2.5 miles of Manhattan streets with dance teams, marching bands, clowns and other performers. Braving the cold New York winter weather, millions participate each year, while many more millions watch the event on TV.