New York City Seeks to Fund Israeli Military Efforts Despite Global Backlash, Mayor Zohran Mamdani Says No to Divestment Plans.
A letter from the human rights organization DAWN has warned New York City officials that investing in Israeli sovereign debt would violate local and international law. The letter, sent on Friday, aims to persuade the city's mayor and comptroller to divest from Israel bonds, citing concerns over funding the country's military efforts and its alleged war crimes.
The move comes as a response to the growing global opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, DAWN's director for Israel and Palestine, stated that "where you put your money – that means something." He added that public opinion has shifted significantly over the past few years, with many citizens now supporting Palestinian rights and opposing Israel's policies.
However, New York State's Comptroller Mark Levine has pledged to reinvest in Israeli government bonds, which has sparked a heated debate between Mamdani and Levine. The standoff highlights the challenges of balancing economic interests with moral and political considerations.
Critics argue that investing in Israeli bonds would be inconsistent with fiduciary duty and would treat Israel better than other countries. DAWN's advocacy director, Raed Jarrar, described such investments as "a promise to keep funding Israel's war machine with New Yorkers' money."
A letter from the human rights organization DAWN has warned New York City officials that investing in Israeli sovereign debt would violate local and international law. The letter, sent on Friday, aims to persuade the city's mayor and comptroller to divest from Israel bonds, citing concerns over funding the country's military efforts and its alleged war crimes.
The move comes as a response to the growing global opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, DAWN's director for Israel and Palestine, stated that "where you put your money – that means something." He added that public opinion has shifted significantly over the past few years, with many citizens now supporting Palestinian rights and opposing Israel's policies.
However, New York State's Comptroller Mark Levine has pledged to reinvest in Israeli government bonds, which has sparked a heated debate between Mamdani and Levine. The standoff highlights the challenges of balancing economic interests with moral and political considerations.
Critics argue that investing in Israeli bonds would be inconsistent with fiduciary duty and would treat Israel better than other countries. DAWN's advocacy director, Raed Jarrar, described such investments as "a promise to keep funding Israel's war machine with New Yorkers' money."
. I mean, come on, have you seen what's been going down in Gaza lately? It's a nightmare. And our mayor is basically saying that we're good with funding Israel's war crimes? No thanks. This whole thing is all about the benjamins, not about doing what's right. The fact that there's this global backlash and still some people are pushing for investment... it just goes to show how far we've fallen in terms of empathy and basic human decency 
. I mean, come on, if we're gonna invest our money in something, shouldn't we at least make sure it's not causing harm to other humans? 
It's like, I get that economics and politics can be tricky, but it feels like the mayor's just trying to play both sides without taking a stand 
. And what's with Comptroller Levine being all "yeah, let's invest in Israel"? Is he really okay with just sweeping his conscience under the rug? 
. It feels like he's more concerned about keeping it easy for NYC investors than doing what's right. I mean, shouldn't our city be supporting human rights and not just lining the pockets of a country with a questionable record? The fact that there's even a debate about this is crazy – can't we just do the right thing and divest from Israel bonds already? 
dont they care about human rights or somethin'? i mean, ive heard of cities divesting from companies that have bad rep but israel's got some serious bad rep goin on. and what even is the point of investing in debt bonds anyway? its like lending money to a friend who always pays u back with interest... not exactly the most inspiring thing 
. it's like NY city is trying to fund israel's obvi brutal regime and just ignore all the human rights violations 
it's so messed up. id rather see ny city divest from israel than just turn a blind eye to the suffering 
. we need to stand with ppl who are fighting for justice, not just profiting off their oppression 
i'm not saying israel doesn't have its problems, but let's try to be more mindful of how we're contributing to the situation. 
it's all about balance, right? between making a profit and doing what feels right?
they're always tryna make $$$ off ppl's emotions. but come on, investin in israel bonds? thats just straight up messed up 
and yeah, public opn has shifted, ppl r gettin wiser & more outspoken. but what's up w/ comptroller levine? cant he see how this is hurtin ppl? anywayz, gotta stay vocal & keep it real 
its not like we dont know what went down in gaza and the west bank its time to take a stand against injustice and support our fellow palestinians in need 
over here! I'm all about peace and love 
, but when it comes to human rights 
, we gotta take a stand 
No way, not on my watch! 
DAWN is totally right 
- where do we put our money if it's gonna fund war and suffering? 
. It's time for our leaders to listen to the people 
and make some changes 
. Let's keep fighting for justice and equality 
! 