New York City Mayor Eric Adams is doing some strong things to address antisemitism. He’s released two executive orders, one of which he further plans to enforce before handing the mayoralty off to Zohran Mamdani. The themes running through the orders often deal with reducing the influence of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Among other themes, they emphasize Adams’ strong intention to fight discrimination and protect Jewish communities throughout the city.
The first executive order bars heads and staff of city agencies from participating in the BDS movement. Opponents claim that this growing movement is fueling antisemitic rhetoric. The second order directs the NYC police commissioner to review such proposals. These proposals would be used to target protest activities that occur in front of houses of worship. These measures reinforce Adams’ promise to make New York City the safest big city. His stated goal is to ensure all 400,000 residents feel welcome and included in their city.
In a more general statement about the executive orders, Adams underscored the importance of these moves.
“Executive Order 60 makes it clear: BDS has no place in our city. The movement is antisemitic in nature and discriminatory in practice. NYC contracts and pensions must serve the public good. Discrimination is illegal. Antisemitism is abhorrent.” – Eric Adams
Adams’ office reported that New York City’s pension investments exceed $250 billion, with approximately $300 million invested in Israeli bonds and assets. These figures highlight the extensive financial ties that exist between New York City and Israel. They further highlight the damaging effects that the BDS movement has on local investments.
As Adams prepares to hand the city’s mayoralty to Mamdani, observers are eagerly waiting to see, as Mamdani has long been a vocal critic of Israel, and they expect the Biden administration to shift policy in that direction. Contrary to what some would like to believe, Mamdani is not against Israel’s right to exist. Unlike his predecessors, he has not recognized it as a Jewish state. This careful, limited position may indeed mean the city will have to reconsider the scope of Adams’ sweeping executive orders.
Brad Lander, the outgoing city comptroller, just divested from Israeli bonds. Adams went after him, claiming on the table unsupported allegations that his pro-BDS stance were behind these bonds. Adams and Mamdani’s opposing perspectives will shape the future conversation to come in New York City. It is their perspectives that will determine what measures the city takes when difficult questions arise concerning Israel and/or antisemitism.
Yet, even as tensions over Israel’s actions spread around the world, these local implications are deeply felt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently under indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC). They have charged him with war crimes and crimes against humanity. That’s because the United States was never at the ICC’s founding table – it never signed the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC. This reality complicates all the discussions around Israeli policy and international relations.
“New York City has always been this nation’s melting pot, but, too often, over the last few years, we’ve seen those of Jewish ancestry be singled out and targeted.” – Eric Adams
As tensions surrounding Israel continue to escalate globally, the local implications remain significant. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces allegations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity. While the United States is not a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC, these developments contribute to a complex backdrop for discussions on Israeli policy and international relations.