Adams Issues Anti-BDS Order, Setting Up Early Test for Mayor-Elect Mamdani

NEW YORK – Mayor Eric Adams signed a new executive order Wednesday preventing New York City agencies and pension boards from making contracting or investment decisions that single out Israel for boycott — a move first reported by The New York Post on Wednesday evening. The action forces incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani, a supporter of the BDS campaign, to decide whether he will uphold or rescind the policy when he takes office in January.

Adams announced the directive at a North American mayors’ summit on antisemitism, saying city funds should not be used in ways that discriminate against Israel. The policy closely tracks a New York State order from 2016 that bars state agencies from contracting with companies participating in boycotts of the Jewish state.

Honored to sit down with my fellow mayors at this year's @CombatASemitism conference in New Orleans, hosted by my partners in city government, @OurMayors.

Today, we discussed and shared how we're governing through the rising tide of hate, fear, and misinformation in our cities… pic.twitter.com/K43Bqtc09I

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 3, 2025

A second order directs the NYPD to revisit how it regulates demonstrations near religious institutions and consider additional protections for worshippers. The move comes after anti-Israel protesters gathered outside an Upper East Side synagogue last week.

Adams said the measures are intended to combat rising antisemitism and ensure the city’s financial decisions remain free of political litmus tests targeting Israel. New York’s five pension systems manage nearly $300 billion, including substantial investments in Israeli companies.

Under the order, mayoral appointees to pension boards are instructed to oppose divestment proposals rooted in political boycotts. Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander has already reduced holdings in Israeli government bonds, though the funds still maintain exposure to Israeli firms.

Mamdani — who will become the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor — has backed BDS and has sharply criticized Israel. Whether he chooses to maintain Adams’ directive is expected to be one of the earliest flashpoints of his administration.

Adams has consistently aligned himself with pro-Israel efforts, recently launching a joint New York City–Israel economic council and adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

Both executive orders take effect immediately.