New York City's Comptroller Pledges to Invest in Israeli Bonds, Contrary to Human Rights Group's Plea to Divest.
A human rights organization has urged New York City officials to divest from Israel bonds due to the country's "well-documented war crimes" and "genocide in Gaza". However, the city's comptroller has announced plans to reinvest in Israeli debt, sparking a rift with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who opposes such investments.
The letter from DAWN (Development, Accountability, Welfare, and Nutrition) Human Rights Watch warns that any investment in Israel's sovereign debt by New York City would violate local and international law. The group argues that the city should treat its investments in a way that is consistent with fiduciary duty and not based on politics.
Despite the comptroller's plan to reinvest in Israeli bonds, Mamdani has signaled his opposition to such actions. He stated that he does not believe the city should purchase bonds for any other sovereign nation's debt as well.
In contrast to former Mayor Eric Adams, who was a strong supporter of Israel and its bonds, Lander had allowed the city's investment in Israeli debt to lapse. However, under Levine, who is new to this position, there are concerns that the investments might continue.
This standoff highlights the complexities surrounding the issue of divestment from Israel and its implications on local politics.
A human rights organization has urged New York City officials to divest from Israel bonds due to the country's "well-documented war crimes" and "genocide in Gaza". However, the city's comptroller has announced plans to reinvest in Israeli debt, sparking a rift with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who opposes such investments.
The letter from DAWN (Development, Accountability, Welfare, and Nutrition) Human Rights Watch warns that any investment in Israel's sovereign debt by New York City would violate local and international law. The group argues that the city should treat its investments in a way that is consistent with fiduciary duty and not based on politics.
Despite the comptroller's plan to reinvest in Israeli bonds, Mamdani has signaled his opposition to such actions. He stated that he does not believe the city should purchase bonds for any other sovereign nation's debt as well.
In contrast to former Mayor Eric Adams, who was a strong supporter of Israel and its bonds, Lander had allowed the city's investment in Israeli debt to lapse. However, under Levine, who is new to this position, there are concerns that the investments might continue.
This standoff highlights the complexities surrounding the issue of divestment from Israel and its implications on local politics.