Mayor Adams Issues Executive Order on Israel Investment
On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams revealed an executive order that prohibits New York City from engaging in business or pension investment practices that discriminate against Israel. This move indirectly addresses the views of his pro-BDS successor, Zoran Mamdani.
Adams’ order poses a challenge for the incoming mayor, who has previously supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Mamdani will need to choose whether to maintain or revoke this executive order.
At an event during the North American Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism in New Orleans, Adams expressed, “This administration recognizes the benefits of maintaining New York City’s strong relationship with the State of Israel.”
Alongside this order, Adams also announced another directive requiring the NYPD to enhance protection for synagogues and religious gatherings against harassment. This Executive Order 61 instructs the police to review patrol guides to better manage protests occurring near places of worship, potentially creating designated safe zones around them.
This announcement follows a protest last week outside the Park East Synagogue, where demonstrators shouted anti-Jewish slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” and “Death to the IDF.”
Reflecting on the current climate, Adams noted, “New York City has always been the melting pot of this country, but in recent years we have seen far too often people of Jewish descent being named and targeted.”
He emphasized that these safeguards are essential for ensuring the city government remains uninvolved in such actions, protecting taxpayer funds and New Yorkers’ right to practice their faith without fear of harassment.
This new executive order aligns with a previous order from then-Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2016, which prohibited state entities from conducting business with firms that support the BDS movement against Israel.
Moreover, both city and state laws already prohibit discrimination against bidders based on national origin.
Adams highlighted the importance of maintaining strong economic and social ties to Israel, noting the city has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. “We are proud to sign this executive order,” he stated, reaffirming that decisions regarding investments and contracts should focus on benefiting New York City rather than being influenced by political biases.
During the last fiscal year, the city engaged in over $32 billion in procurement contracts with external vendors and manages five pension plans for more than 750,000 employees and retirees. These pension funds have invested nearly $300 billion in global markets, including significant sums in Israeli assets.
Outgoing city auditor Brad Lander has divested most city pension funds from Israeli bonds, although they still invest in companies based in Israel. Adams has directed the city’s pension administrator to oppose any sales of bonds or assets aimed at discriminating against Israel or its citizens.
Adams, a strong advocate for Israel, contrasts with Mamdani, who is set to take office on January 1, 2026. Last month, Adams initiated the New York City-Israel Economic Council to foster stronger economic ties between the city and Israel.
In June, he also signed an executive order endorsing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, which includes the demonization of Israel and the imposition of double standards—both tactics often associated with the BDS movement that Mamdani supports.
