Despite heavy campaigning against this move by the misnamed Jewish Voice for Peace, New York joins the growing number of states to divest public funds supporting the BDS movement against Israel.
In an executive order, Governor Cuomo takes a “first-in-the-nation action [to] ensure that no state agency or authority engages in or promotes any investment activity that would further the harmful and discriminatory Palestinian-backed Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign in New York State.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued Executive Order No. 157 directing state entities to divest all public funds supporting the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. The first-in-the-nation action will ensure that no state agency or authority engages in or promotes any investment activity that would further the harmful and discriminatory Palestinian-backed Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign in New York State. The Governor made the announcement at the Celebrate Israel Parade.“New York stands in solidarity with Israel today and always. This state will not stand for the politics of discrimination in any form, and we will continue to demonstrate our unwavering support for the people of Israel in the fight for freedom, liberty and democracy,” Governor Cuomo said. “I’m proud to sign this nation’s leading executive order, which will help protect Israel from the threat of divestment. This order sends the message that this state will do everything in its power to end this hateful, intolerant campaign. New York and Israel share an unbreakable bond and I pray that the Israeli and Palestinian people will find a way to live side by side and find peace, prosperity and security.”
Governor Cuomo’s commitment to Israel and to fighting BDS is highlighted in the press release:
To continue fighting the BDS campaign even further, Governor Cuomo has been named as the Co-Chair of the American Jewish Committee’s Governors against BDS initiative. For more than a century, the American Jewish Committee has been the leading global Jewish advocacy organization. With offices across the United States and around the globe, and partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, it works to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and to advance human rights and democratic values for all.Governor Cuomo has long stood with Israel. In 2014, the Governor led a unity trip to Israel in demonstration of solidarity with the State. During the two-day trip, the Governor met with various Israeli government officials, and those impacted by the conflict. Today, New York is home to more than 1.7 million Jews, representing the largest Jewish community outside of Israel in the world.
The full text of Executive Order 157 is available here.
Watch Governor Cuomo’s announcement:
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