Tens of thousands of New Yorkers on Sunday participated in an annual march in support of the Jewish state.

Making their way down Fifth Avenue, the demonstrators waved Israeli flags and carried signs of encouragement for Israel as it faces growing regional and global threats.

This year’s march was led by the parents of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and they were joined by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Shalit’s parents said they were deeply touched to see thousands of foreigners come out and very vocally demand their son’s release.