Mayor Adams Blocks City Funds to BDS Movement

On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed two executive orders aimed at preventing city funds from supporting the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Adams explicitly prohibited “business and pension investment decisions that discriminate against Israel.” This decision may present a challenge for Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, who has expressed support for the BDS movement.

The second order urges the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to enhance protections for synagogues and people of faith experiencing harassment. These actions were announced during a conference in New Orleans organized by the North American Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism. Adams emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between New York City and Israel.

Mamdani, an Islamic socialist, will face a decision on whether to uphold or revoke these orders when he assumes office on January 1. As of now, his team has not responded to inquiries from the media.

In a recent MSNBC interview, Mamdani reiterated his support for the BDS movement, arguing it could pressure Israel to adhere to international law. He conveyed this sentiment when co-host Willie Geist questioned whether BDS would guide his administration’s policy as mayor, stating his commitment to supporting “non-violent movements” aimed at this goal.

Mamdani expressed, “If we have violated or are likely to violate those kinds of laws, I’m going to bring us back into compliance.” He also reassured that he would represent all Jewish New Yorkers.

According to the New York Post, New York City holds nearly $300 billion in global securities, which includes around $300 million in Israeli investments.

Adams’s executive order followed a protest outside a synagogue where chants of “death to the IDF” and “globalize the intifada” were reported. After the meeting, he stated, “We have to stand up for Jews loudly,” stressing that the rise of anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred cannot be ignored.

During a discussion at a Fight Against Anti-Semitism event in Tel Aviv last month, Adams warned Jewish New Yorkers to be cautious following Mamdani’s election and noted that “all is not well.”