New York City, December 4, 2025
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed two executive orders to counter antisemitism and prevent city funds from supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. These orders prohibit discriminatory business decisions against Israel and direct enhanced police protections for religious institutions. The actions create tension with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who supports BDS, requiring him to decide on whether to uphold or revoke these policies upon taking office.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Issues Executive Orders Blocking BDS Movement
New York City – Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has signed two executive orders aimed at countering antisemitism and preventing city funds from supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. These actions come amid a growing ideological clash with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who supports the BDS movement.
Executive Orders to Prevent Discrimination Against Israel
On December 3, 2025, Mayor Adams issued an executive order prohibiting New York City agencies and pension boards from making business or investment decisions that discriminate against Israel. This directive mandates that city funds cannot be used to support the BDS movement, aligning with a New York State order from 2016 that bars state agencies from contracting with companies participating in boycotts of Israel. The policy also instructs mayoral appointees to pension boards to oppose divestment proposals rooted in political boycotts. Additionally, a second order directs the New York City Police Department to enhance protections for synagogues and other religious institutions, aiming to prevent harassment of worshippers. These measures are intended to combat rising antisemitism and ensure the city’s financial decisions remain free of political litmus tests targeting Israel.
Clash with Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani
The executive orders have intensified tensions between Mayor Adams and Mayor-elect Mamdani. Mamdani, who supports the BDS movement, faces a decision on whether to uphold or rescind these policies upon taking office in January. The orders have been viewed as a challenge to Mamdani’s stance on Israel and the BDS movement. Mamdani’s team has not yet responded to requests for comment on the executive orders.
Background on the BDS Movement and Previous Actions
The BDS movement seeks to pressure Israel to comply with international law through boycotts, divestment, and sanctions. Mayor Adams has consistently aligned himself with pro-Israel efforts, including launching a joint New York City–Israel economic council and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. In July 2025, Adams accused Comptroller Brad Lander of divesting from Israel bonds in a manner that echoed BDS goals, highlighting the ongoing debates over the city’s financial ties to Israel. The recent executive orders further underscore the administration’s commitment to countering antisemitism and maintaining strong relations with Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the executive orders issued by Mayor Eric Adams?
Mayor Eric Adams signed two executive orders on December 3, 2025, aimed at countering antisemitism and preventing New York City funds from supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The first order prohibits city agencies and pension boards from making business or investment decisions that discriminate against Israel, aligning with a New York State order from 2016 that bars state agencies from contracting with companies participating in boycotts of Israel. The second order directs the New York City Police Department to enhance protections for synagogues and other religious institutions to prevent harassment of worshippers.
How do these orders affect Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani?
The executive orders have intensified tensions between Mayor Adams and Mayor-elect Mamdani, who supports the BDS movement. Mamdani faces a decision on whether to uphold or rescind these policies upon taking office in January. The orders have been viewed as a challenge to Mamdani’s stance on Israel and the BDS movement. Mamdani’s team has not yet responded to requests for comment on the executive orders.
What is the BDS movement?
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement seeks to pressure Israel to comply with international law through boycotts, divestment, and sanctions. It targets various sectors, including businesses and institutions, to influence Israeli policies, particularly concerning Palestinian rights and statehood.
What is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism?
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism is a widely accepted framework that describes antisemitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. It includes manifestations such as calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews, making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews, and accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
What previous actions has Mayor Adams taken regarding antisemitism?
Mayor Adams has consistently aligned himself with pro-Israel efforts, including launching a joint New York City–Israel economic council and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. In July 2025, Adams accused Comptroller Brad Lander of divesting from Israel bonds in a manner that echoed BDS goals, highlighting the ongoing debates over the city’s financial ties to Israel. The recent executive orders further underscore the administration’s commitment to countering antisemitism and maintaining strong relations with Israel.
Key Features of the Executive Orders
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibition on Discriminatory Business and Investment Decisions | City agencies and pension boards are barred from making decisions that discriminate against Israel, aligning with a New York State order from 2016 that prohibits contracting with companies participating in boycotts of Israel. |
| Enhanced Protections for Religious Institutions | The New York City Police Department is directed to strengthen protections for synagogues and other religious institutions to prevent harassment of worshippers. |
| Challenge to Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani | The orders present a challenge to Mayor-elect Mamdani, who supports the BDS movement, requiring him to decide whether to uphold or rescind these policies upon taking office in January. |
| Alignment with Pro-Israel Efforts | These actions underscore Mayor Adams’ commitment to countering antisemitism and maintaining strong relations with Israel, including the launch of a joint New York City–Israel economic council and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. |
Now Happening on X
- @nypost (December 4, 2025): Eric Adams signs an anti-BDS executive order as a direct challenge to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, barring NYC from discriminatory business or investment decisions against Israel. View on X
- @NYCMayor (June 9, 2025): Mayor Eric Adams announces signing an Executive Order adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism to protect Jewish New Yorkers amid rising threats. View on X
- @nypmetro (December 4, 2025): Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams issues an anti-BDS order in a veiled swipe at pro-Palestine Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. View on X
- @Osint613 (November 11, 2025): Leaked DSA memo reveals demands for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, including pulling NYC pension funds from Israeli bonds and canceling contracts with companies operating in Israel. View on X
- @AsadFromNYC (November 2, 2025): Zohran Mamdani pledges to end the New York City-Israel Economic Council established by Mayor Eric Adams to foster economic ties between NYC and Israel. View on X
- @infolibnews (November 18, 2025): Eric Adams, during a taxpayer-funded trip to Israel, hints at announcing new business interests in the coming weeks while promoting his service to Israel as NYC Mayor. View on X
- @KolHaolam (December 4, 2025): Mayor Eric Adams issues an executive order preventing NYC from making business or pension decisions that discriminate against Israel, targeting BDS efforts by successor Zohran Mamdani. View on X
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