Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed two executive orders relating to Israel and Jews, one of which bars city officials from taking actions that “discriminate” against the State of Israel or Israeli citizens, and the other that tightens security for places of worship.
Order 60, which is to take effect immediately, bars agency heads, contracting officers, or other mayoral appointees from procurement practices that are intended to discriminate against the State of Israel, Israeli citizens, or individuals or entities associated with Israel.
Employees who fail to follow this may be subject to disciplinary action by their agency.
Pension systems appointed to oppose divestment from bonds
Additionally, the chief pension administrator and pension systems appointed by the mayor are directed to oppose divestment from bonds and other assets made for the purpose of discriminating against Israel.
NYC currently maintains five independent pension systems that support over 750,000 employees and retirees and invest over $300 billion in global securities, including over $300 million in Israel bonds.
As part of the executive order (EO), Adams cited section 6-129.1 of the Administrative Code, which says it is unlawful for an agency to deny a contract because of the actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, or citizenship of the owners of the proposal.
People were quick to remark that the EO appears to be an attempt to push back on the BDS movement supported by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Executive Order 61 acknowledges that NYC is home to thousands of houses of worship that represent myriad religions and that, at times, are unfortunately targets of protest.
It notes that the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act 1994 prohibits interfering with or physically obstructing a person seeking to exercise the right to religious freedom at a place of worship.
Prohibiting access to a place of worship also violates the NY state penal code.
As such, Adams signed an EO directing the police to provide clear guidance for the protection of both houses of worship and the people attending them.
He also called for the establishment of a protest-free zone of between 15ft. and 60ft. outside houses of worship in order to protect congregations.
While EO 61 doesn’t specifically mention Jews or synagogues, recent protests outside Jewish temples indicate Adams’s aim to protect the community. In November, 200 people protested outside Park East Synagogue, which was hosting a Nefesh B’Nefesh event.
The protesters shouted ‘globalize the intifada’ and ‘death to the IDF.’
Mamdani was criticized for seemingly supporting the protest, stating, “sacred spaces should not be used to promote activities in violation of international law,” a reference to Israeli settlements.
“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,” said Adams.
“Today, we are ensuring our city government doesn’t participate in that type of behavior and are putting in safeguards that protect New Yorkers’ tax dollars and protect their right to practice their religion without harassment.”
“New York City not only has a strong bond with the State of Israel because of our commitment to protecting a Jewish homeland, but also because it has always been a sound financial investment, and our financial decisions should continue to reflect that truth,” he continued.
He also proudly affirmed that NYC’s investments and contracts should be made on the basis of what is best for New York City and its economic future, and not in pursuit of discriminatory policies on the basis of politics and national origin.
“Additionally, we are proud to sign an executive order to evaluate additional ways to ensure New Yorkers’ right to peacefully and safely practice their religion at houses of worship, while protecting the First Amendment rights to protest, to which all Americans are entitled,” he concluded.