New York mayor issues order against Israel divestment shortly before Mamdani takes office

New York Citys mayor, Eric Adams, has enacted two executive orders intended to counter antisemitism, just weeks before Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, takes office.

The first directive forbids city officials and staff from participating in any policies discriminating against Israel, Israeli citizens based on nationality, or individuals and entities linked to Israel. It also prevents those managing the citys pension funds from aligning investments with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Mamdani has expressed support for.

The second order instructs the New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch, to review rules for protests near houses of worship. This follows demonstrations last month outside an Upper East Side synagogue hosting a pro-Israel immigration event, which raised concerns about antisemitism.

Adams emphasized, New York City has always been a diverse melting pot, but in recent years, Jewish residents have faced targeted harassment. He described the measures as protecting taxpayer money and the right to practice religion freely.

The orders are widely seen as an attempt to limit Mamdani, a democratic socialist, who will become the citys first Muslim mayor on January 1. His pro-Palestinian positions have drawn criticism from some in New Yorks Jewish community. The citys pension portfolio totals over $250 billion, including about $300 million in Israeli bonds, which Mamdani has criticized.

Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander previously halted investments in Israeli bonds, drawing accusations of supporting BDS, though he argued he was simply ending preferential treatment. Mamdani will have the authority to reverse Adams orders, likely intensifying debates over the line between criticism of Israel and antisemitism.

Adams stated on social media, BDS has no place in our city. It is antisemitic and discriminatory. NYC contracts and pensions must serve the public interest. Discrimination is illegal. Antisemitism is unacceptable.

The actions coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting plans to visit New York despite Mamdanis warnings about potential arrests related to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC has previously suggested Netanyahu could be responsible for alleged war crimes during the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, though the United States is not a party to the courts Rome Statute.

In a recent New York Times conference, Netanyahu confirmed his intention to travel to the city and remarked that dialogue with Mamdani would require acknowledgment of Israels right to exist, though he noted Mamdani has not recognized Israel as exclusively a Jewish state.

Author: Riley Thompson