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NYC Mayor Adams Blocks City Boycotts of Israel Ahead of Ideological Showdown with Successor

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed executive orders to prevent the city from supporting boycotts of Israel, setting up a potential conflict with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued two executive orders aimed at preventing city funds from supporting boycotts of Israel, a move that directly challenges the stance of his successor, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

The orders, signed Wednesday, prohibit city business or pension investment decisions that discriminate against Israel and call for enhanced police protection for synagogues and other religious sites. Adams announced the measures at a conference in New Orleans, stating his administration "recognizes the benefit of maintaining a strong relationship between the city of New York and the state of Israel."

The action creates an immediate ideological clash with Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who takes office on January 1. Mamdani has publicly expressed support for the BDS movement, which seeks to pressure Israel through economic and cultural boycotts. In a recent MSNBC interview, he defended this position as a "non-violent movement" to bring about compliance with international law.

When asked if BDS would become city policy under his administration, Mamdani responded that he would "bring us back into compliance" where Adams had "violated" international law, but also stated he would be mayor for all Jewish New Yorkers.

The orders place significant financial stakes on the line. New York City has over $32 billion in annual procurement contracts and pension systems that invest nearly $300 billion globally, including substantial holdings in Israeli assets.

Adams framed the orders as a safeguard against antisemitism and hate, citing recent protests outside a city synagogue. Mamdani's team has not yet commented on whether he will revoke the orders upon taking office, setting the stage for one of the first major policy battles of his mayoralty.
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