New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken decisive action against anti-Semitism by issuing two significant executive orders, his office announced. This move comes just weeks before the incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, is set to take office on January 1.
Key Directives to Protect Israel and Regulate Protests
The first executive order explicitly prohibits heads of city agencies and mayoral appointees from engaging in any procurement practices that discriminate against the State of Israel, Israeli citizens, or individuals associated with Israel. Furthermore, it bars city pension administrators and trustees from opposing divestment from bonds and other assets that would discriminate against the same entities.
The second order directs New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to develop ideas for regulating protests occurring near houses of worship. This directive follows a recent protest outside a synagogue on the Upper East Side, which drew sharp criticism from Jewish leaders and led Commissioner Tisch to apologize for the NYPD's handling of the situation.
Political Context and Pension Fund Divestment
These orders arrive at a politically sensitive time. The mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, is a Democratic Socialist and a long-standing supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Mamdani has stated his intention to retain Jessica Tisch as police commissioner upon taking office.
In a related financial development, the city's pension funds, under outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander, no longer hold any Israeli bonds. Lander, who endorsed Mamdani, stated the divestment decision was based on risk assessment, not political motives. However, the funds still maintain $291 million worth of investments in Israeli companies.
Reactions and the Road Ahead
The executive orders were announced days after prominent financier Marc Rowan of Apollo Global Management Inc. labeled Mamdani an "enemy" of the Jewish people at a fundraiser. This highlights the heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming transition.
A spokesperson for Mamdani's transition team did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Mayor Adams's latest orders. As the January 1 inauguration approaches, these directives set the stage for a significant shift in the city's approach to Middle East politics and protest management.
