NEW YORK   —  Tens of thousands marched in New York in the Celebrate Israel Parade, which is marking its 50th anniversary.

Organizers had expected some 35,000 participants in Sunday’s parade up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Among the elected officials participating in the annual parade were New York Gov. Mario Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

This year’s parade was the focus of intra-communal controversy, with some right-wing activists objecting to the participation of several left-wing Jewish groups, including the New Israel Fund.

 Among those participating were more than 80 Jews from around New York who are planning to make aliyah in the coming months. They marched alongside the NefeshB’Nefesh float.