New York mayor issues order targeting Israel divestment weeks before Mamdani assumes offices

"The first order prohibits city agency heads and staff from engaging in any policy that discriminates against the state of Israel, Israeli citizens based on their national origin, or individuals or entities based on their association with Israel. It also prohibits officials overseeing the city pension system from making decisions in line with the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which Mamdani has said he supports."

"A second order directs the New York City police commissioner, currently Jessica Tisch, to evaluate proposals for regulating protest activity occurring close to houses of worship. That comes after demonstrations last month outside an Upper East Side synagogue hosting an event promoting immigration to Israel sparked claims of antisemitism. 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, Adams said in a statement."

"The measures are seen as an effort to curb Mamdani, a democratic socialist, who will take office as the city's first Muslim mayor on 1 January and whose support for the Palestinian cause has sparked opposition within the city's Jewish community. The city's pension investments amount to more than $250bn, with around $300m in Israeli bonds and assets, according to the mayor's office."

Two executive orders prohibit city officials from adopting policies that discriminate against the state of Israel, Israeli citizens based on national origin, or individuals and entities associated with Israel. The orders bar pension officials from making investment decisions aligned with the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. A separate order directs the police commissioner to evaluate proposals to regulate protest activity near houses of worship after demonstrations outside an Upper East Side synagogue sparked antisemitism claims. The measures are described as protecting Jewish New Yorkers, tax dollars, and the right to practice religion without harassment, and are seen as constraining incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani.

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