New York City is on the cusp of a major financial contradiction, with its comptroller pledging to purchase Israeli government bonds despite a human rights organization's scathing warning that such an investment would violate local and international law.
In a letter sent to state and local officials, the human rights group DAWN warned that any investment in Israeli sovereign debt by New York City would be tantamount to financing Israel's alleged war crimes in Gaza. The 26-page letter was directed at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the city comptroller Mark Levine.
According to Raed Jarrar, DAWN's advocacy director, "New York is using taxpayer money to finance a military the entire world has watched commit war crimes." The organization argues that divesting from Israel bonds would not only be a moral imperative but also put New York more in line with the opinions of its own citizens.
Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, DAWN's director for Israel and Palestine, added, "Where you put your money — that means something. We've seen a massive shift in public opinion over the past few years as a result of the Gaza war."
Despite this warning, Levine has pledged to reinvest in Israeli government bonds, which has sparked tension with Mamdani, who is a longtime critic of Israel.
The standoff between the mayor and comptroller highlights the conflicting views on foreign policy and finance within New York City's government. It also raises questions about the city's commitment to upholding international law and respecting human rights.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Levine will ultimately follow through with his plans to purchase Israeli bonds or if Mamdani's opposition will prevail.
In a letter sent to state and local officials, the human rights group DAWN warned that any investment in Israeli sovereign debt by New York City would be tantamount to financing Israel's alleged war crimes in Gaza. The 26-page letter was directed at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the city comptroller Mark Levine.
According to Raed Jarrar, DAWN's advocacy director, "New York is using taxpayer money to finance a military the entire world has watched commit war crimes." The organization argues that divesting from Israel bonds would not only be a moral imperative but also put New York more in line with the opinions of its own citizens.
Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man, DAWN's director for Israel and Palestine, added, "Where you put your money — that means something. We've seen a massive shift in public opinion over the past few years as a result of the Gaza war."
Despite this warning, Levine has pledged to reinvest in Israeli government bonds, which has sparked tension with Mamdani, who is a longtime critic of Israel.
The standoff between the mayor and comptroller highlights the conflicting views on foreign policy and finance within New York City's government. It also raises questions about the city's commitment to upholding international law and respecting human rights.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Levine will ultimately follow through with his plans to purchase Israeli bonds or if Mamdani's opposition will prevail.
... theyre basically saying "hey, we're gonna take your money and use it to probs fund some war crimes"... that's like putting a price on human lives 
... and whats with the mayor and comptroller being all caught up in this? cant they see the bigger picture or is that just too much for them 
. So basically NYC is planning to invest in Israel even though a group says it's funding war crimes... like what? 
I don't fully get the situation, but it seems like some people think it's wrong to support Israel financially if they're accused of harming others. But at the same time, other people might say we shouldn't interfere with their business decisions 
. I mean, what's the real reason behind this decision? Is it just about padding his resume or does he actually believe in the benefits of doing business with Israel? 
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i feel like mayor mamdani is totally right, it's our money and we should be using it for good, not financing violence. i hope the comptroller doesn't go through with this plan because it would be a huge betrayal of trust from their constituents 
It's like, we're literally talking about funding a military that's allegedly committing war crimes 
. The mayor and comptroller are all over the place on this one - is it finance or morals? 
I'm keeping an eye on this situation because it's a major concern for me as a New Yorker 
️. We should be setting a good example, not enabling questionable actions 
#JusticeForPalestine #HumanRightsMatter #NYCshoulddoBetter