A new business alliance has launched in New York to protect Jewish and Israeli companies under Israel-bashing Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his band of anti-Zionist socialist allies — who are pushing to expand their influence in Albany and City Hall, The Post has learned.
The influential New York State Chamber of Commerce and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce have united to create the New York-Israeli Chamber of Commerce Coalition, with more business groups expected to join the effort.
“The free enterprise system that made New York City strong and encouraged many Israeli founders to select New York City for US operations is at risk,” said Al Kinel, President of the NYICC Coalition.
“Beyond the economic damage, we are deeply alarmed by the correlation between these policies and the rise in unsafe conditions for our employees and customers.”
Kinel didn’t specifically name Mamdani, however, a source close to the newly formed coalition said it’s no coincidence that the pro-Jewish, pro-Israel advocacy group is kicking off now.
Mamdani, a staunch critic of the Jewish state who has repeatedly accused it of genocide in Gaza, wasted no time after his historic election in November to roll back city policies supporting Israel.
On his first day in office, the far-left mayor scrapped two executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams that barred city officials from boycotting or divesting from Israel and recognized the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s more expansive definition of what constitutes antisemitism.
New York has also faced a concerning rise in antisemitism, fueled by the violent anti-Israel protests that have erupted across Big Apple campuses and in the streets in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.
For example, some of the employees at the Breads Bakery chain, founded by Israelis, last month demanded the company cut support for the Jewish state as part of a campaign to unionize the workforce.
Meanwhile, other Jewish and Israeli eateries have been subjected to vandalism.
The New York-Israeli Chamber of Commerce Coalition’s goals include reinstating policies that protect Israelis and Jews from antisemitic business practices.
According to a report released last year by the United States-Israel Business Alliance, there are approximately 676 Israeli-founded business establishments in NYC, including 20 valued at more than $1 billion.
Together, they provide tens of thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue that fund services for the people of New York, the coalition said.
Guy Franklin, founder & CEO of Israeli Mapped in NY, which has also joined the coalition, said that New York is home to the largest Israeli tech ecosystem outside Israel.
“These companies aren’t on the sidelines; they are an integral part of New York’s tech ecosystem, from investors and founders to employees. They pay taxes, lease office space, and contribute to local communities across the city,” Franklin said.
The state’s leading business group said it, too, has the back of Jewish and Israeli firms.
“New York City’s strength and growth have always come from its diversity and welcoming of entrepreneurs from around the world,” said Heather Mulligan, President and CEO of the Business Council of New York State and another member of the advocacy group.
“Like all employers, Israeli-founded businesses are an equally important part of our economy, creating jobs, leading innovation, and contributing to the economy of the communities where they operate.”
Mark Jaffe, president and CEO the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and a coalition board member, said New York “should not be jeopardizing jobs nor future job creation based upon economic discrimination.”
“Israel is a strong friend and ally of the United States. Against all odds, Israel maintains a dynamic and capitalistic economy that provides billions of dollars and thousands of jobs here in NY,” Jaffe said.
“We are proud to be part of the Coalition that is standing up and encouraging support for Israeli-backed businesses.”
Galit Meyran, CEO of the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and another coalition board member, said, “When political agendas lead to an economic environment where antisemitic threats and
actions become the norm, immediate collective action is required.”
