‘Mitzvah Tank’ parade sweeps through NYC for pre-Passover celebration

Organisers began the annual convoy in 1974 to lift Jewish spirits in the wake of the Yom Kippur War. It has since spread to other cities around the world, including Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, Manchester, and even several parts of Ukraine.

This year’s parade, which kicked off in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Crown Heights before heading through Manhattan and dispersing across the five boroughs, included over 100 vehicles filled with volunteers who distributed traditional round-shaped “Shmurah Matzah” to passersby and invited them to do mitzvahs, give tzedakah and say a prayer.

The Mitzvah Tank convoy stretched for blocks in New York City on Wednesday. (Photo: Mandi Dehan / COLlive.com)[Missing Credit]

The tanks, many of which blared klezmer-style music from their speakers, also offered Jewish literature, with Jewish students onboard to answer questions about Judaism and Passover traditions.

"A recent Pew survey revealed that a quarter of all Jews aren't connected to their heritage,” said Hirsch. “We're countering this by bringing Judaism outside the synagogue walls instead of waiting for people to seek out their religion.

"Our mitzvah tanks transform everyday street corners into opportunities for connection. We're bringing the joy and spirit of Passover directly to the people and reigniting the Jewish spark within their souls."