New York Business Coalition Warns of Economic Threat as Mayor Zohran Mamdani Undermines Jewish and Israeli Enterprises

Two pro-business groups have formed a coalition in New York City to protect Jewish and Israeli-affiliated companies amid surging anti-Zionist activism and policy shifts under Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The alliance, supported by the New York State Chamber of Commerce and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, aims to shield firms from discrimination, foster job creation, and defend their economic contributions to the city.

“The free enterprise system that made New York City strong is at risk,” Al Kinel, president of the coalition, stated. Coalition leaders cited rising anti-Zionist sentiment and unsafe conditions for employees and customers as key drivers for the initiative.

The alliance follows Mayor Mamdani’s reversal of policies supporting Israel on his first day in office. He revoked executive orders prohibiting city officials from participating in boycotts or divestment campaigns targeting Israel and withdrew New York City’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, a measure previously implemented under former Mayor Eric Adams.

Coalition members assert these policy changes have coincided with increased protests and vandalism directed at Jewish and Israeli businesses, including demands from some employees at Israeli-linked companies to sever ties with Israel. The coalition reports over 670 Israeli-founded businesses in New York City—including 20 enterprises valued at more than $1 billion—that collectively provide tens of thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue.

Guy Franklin, founder and CEO of Israeli Mapped in NY, emphasized the critical role of Israeli tech companies within New York’s innovation ecosystem: “These companies aren’t on the sidelines; they are an integral part of New York’s tech ecosystem.” Other coalition members, including Heather Mulligan of The Business Council of New York State and Mark Jaffe of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, warned that economic discrimination rooted in political agendas threatens job stability and future growth.

The initiative aligns with broader city efforts to address rising antisemitism, such as City Council Speaker Julie Menin’s announcement of a task force targeting hate crimes against Jewish residents. Critics of Mayor Mamdani’s policy reversals argue his actions risk conflating criticism of Israel with broader hostility toward Jewish businesses and communities. Monitoring groups like the Anti-Defamation League have tracked Mamdani’s initiatives related to antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

The coalition plans to advocate for reinstated policies protecting Israelis and Jews from discriminatory business practices while promoting open dialogue on economic inclusion amid shifting political dynamics in New York City.