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Last week, we celebrated Eastern European heritage at Gracie Mansion, because the story of New York City cannot be told without the story of our Eastern European neighbors.

New Yorkers experience the abundant contributions of our Eastern European neighbors every day. As we pair syrniki with sour cream in Brighton Beach, look in wonder at a Chagall painting at MoMA and banter with babushkas in Rego Park.

But you just couldn't bring yourself to celebrate the Israeli Day Parade with Jewish New Yorkers or the Columbus Day Parade with Italian American New Yorkers. Less slicing and dicing NYers by your political views, and more standing with your constituents please

Why in the world would one celebrate that genocidal state that was born through ethnic cleansing, murder, and destruction, and is perpetuated via apartheid, genocide, and more murder?

I'm sorry you feel that way about your Jewish neighbors. You can celebrate their heritage and traditions while objecting to Israel's policies.