In his debate appearances, mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani avoided answering questions on Israel by focusing on affordability as his top policy priority, but in the aftermath of the election, the cause that inspired him toward a political career is making headlines. Last week, the New York Post publicized an agenda list written by the Democratic Socialists of America’s city chapter, whose “anti-war working group” discussed severing the city’s ties with Israel on a dozen policies.
Previous mayors have tried to address the high cost of living in New York City by expanding subsidized pre-K and daycare, upzoning neighborhoods to increase the housing supply, and rejecting rent increases for rent-controlled units. Mamdani’s quest to build more units was made easier with a ballot measure approved by voters that enables City Hall to bypass the objections of City Council members, who were historically given deference on zoning matters in their districts. The state’s support for IBX, the Interborough Express light rail running from Woodside to Bay Ridge, will increase demand for housing in low-scale neighborhoods deemed as “transit deserts.”
Overall, I do not expect rents and property values to stop rising, as the city remains a magnet for immigrants and Americans from other parts of the country. In recent memory, reduction in the cost of living did not come from action, but inaction, when quality of life declined, resulting from the decline in services provided by the city’s police, firefighters, schools, hospitals, and public transit. When the city experienced a mass exodus from the 1960s through the 1980s, certainly there were plenty of available “affordable” units, corresponding to their deteriorating conditions and failure to keep them and surrounding neighborhoods in livable condition. Mamdani can have a less expensive city only when there is a decline in demand for housing, resulting from an exodus.
Mamdani’s second priority of making public buses free also does not appear realistic. Gov. Kathy Hochul cast doubt on it, noting that the system is heavily dependent on fares as a source of revenue, and opposing tax hikes as she faces her own reelection in the coming year.
Despite 77 years of victories against invasions, terrorist attacks, political and economic boycotts, some people still think that the destruction of Israel is a more realistic goal than reducing greenhouse emissions, banning assault weapons, and making the city affordable. Such longevity should not be taken for granted. It is the result of Hashem’s blessing, unity of purpose among supporters of Israel, and the country’s ability to prove that it is indispensable in addressing scientific, military, and economic needs. Considering each of the points brought up by the DSA:
The city’s five pension funds have approximately $315 million in Israeli assets, a decades-long commitment resting on trust and positive returns. The decision to invest in Israel rests on trustees appointed by the mayor, comptroller, and labor unions representing city workers. Supporters of Israel have a strong argument that divesting from Israel would hurt the city’s retirees more than Israel, which enjoys support from countless pension funds across the country.
Withdrawing city contracts from companies and funds from banks that do business with Israel also makes bad economic sense, as it would mean abandoning some of the biggest and most trusted contractors and banks, and a violation of state policy against boycotting Israel, specifically Executive Order 157 of 2016, and legislation proposed by Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. of Queens in which the state would shun businesses that boycott Israel. Perhaps Mamdani has an independently run credit union that can manage the nation’s largest municipal account as an alternative to JP Morgan and Citibank.
Concerning a ban on Israeli real estate events and nonprofits that support yishuvim, so far the only tactic that worked was intimidation, in which threats from rioters resulted in “location provided upon RSVP” for such events, along with increased security costs. The city cannot prohibit such events on free-speech grounds and state policies opposing boycotts. In his lackluster legislative portfolio as Assemblyman, Mamdani’s Not on Our Dime failed to clear committee, and is less likely to succeed on a municipal level.
Divesting CUNY from Israel would mean that students studying in seminaries and colleges in Israel would not have credits recognized by the 26 colleges of the nation’s largest urban university. Such a policy would need approval from the state and would be challenged in court for its apparent discrimination and violation of state and federal policies.
The NYC–Israel Economic Council is the most recent example of the city’s connection with Israel, created by the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat back in May. Its stated goal is to “focus partnerships on economic development, emergency management, education, and technology.” Cutting off Israel would benefit other cities while isolating New York from Israeli innovators in these sectors.
Concerning the NYPD’s cooperation with Israel in counter-terrorism, the city’s overseas participation in crime fighting has a long history, going back to 1909, when Lt. Joseph Petrosino was assassinated in Sicily, fighting the mafia at its source. For the same reasons, the city that remains an ongoing target for terrorists should cooperate with the country that is the leading expert in combating this scourge.
Finally, arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York violates federal law, as this country does not recognize the authority of the International Criminal Court. Seeking to preempt even a symbolic arrest, Rep. Elise Stefanik sponsored a bill forbidding states and localities from enforcing the ICC unless expressly authorized by federal law. Furthermore, as the host city of the United Nations, the city is forbidden to interfere with foreign leaders and diplomats visiting for UN business.
Failing to enact any of these dozen DSA proposals, Mamdani’s opposition to Israel will be limited to symbolic gestures: non-invitations to Gracie Mansion, not marching in the Celebrate Israel Parade, and skipping the Israeli flag raising at Bowling Green on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Mamdani could still try to pass these dozen punitive measures against Israel in the face of lawsuits and opposition from state and federal authorities, but with negative publicity, voters may realize that his campaign promises of affordability were really a distraction from his goal of boycotting Israel.
Finally, the role of pro-Israel lawmakers to embarrass the mayor. Back in 2002, Councilman Charles Barron hosted Zimbabwe autocrat Robert Mugabe at the City Council, despite opposition from the mayor and most of his colleagues. Can one imagine Netanyahu speaking at the podium in the same building where the mayor has his office?
On Monday, Councilwoman Inna Vernikov extended an invitation to Netanyahu to visit the city on New Year’s Day, when Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in on the steps of City Hall. He may not be welcome at Gracie Mansion, but his presence can reinvigorate the city’s ties with Israel, defiant against the surge of antisemitism.
By Sergey Kadinsky
