A million spectators and 35,000 participants lined up on New York’s Fifth Avenue this weekend for the city’s annual Celebrate Israel Parade.

Among the marchers were Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Charles Schumer, and City Council speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn. Also marching was fellow mayoral candidate – and controversial former Democratic congressman – Anthony Weiner. Weiner wielded an Israeli flag and shouted “Am Yisrael Chai!” into the megaphone.

Guests from Israel included Homeland Defense Minister Gilad Erdan, Immigration and Absorption Minister Sofa Landver, MK Dov Lipman (Yesh Atid), and Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon.

The parade, formerly known as the Salute to Israel Parade, is nearly 50 years old. This year’s theme was “Picture Israel,” with participants carrying paintings and tapestries showing the diversity of the Jewish state and its people.

Spectators came from all walks of life:

“I’ve come [to the parade] every year for the past 40 years,” said Elaine Zishotlz, a 79-year-old Cedarhurst resident who was watching her grandchildren march from the sidelines. “This is my favorite day of the year because everyone who comes out to the parade all know how important it is to show their support.”

“With all he controversy Israel faces out there, its important to come and show support and love, and put politics aside for once,” said Joanna Ross-Tash, a 22-year-old Yeshiva University senior from Indianapolis. “This is a good way to focus on the positive and celebrate all that we love about Israel.”

In the evening the iconic Empire State Building was lit the Israeli flag’s blue-and-white.

[Photo:KenExcellence / Youtube]