In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed executive orders aimed at cementing ties with Israel while taking a not-so-subtle jab at his successor.

Adams rolled out two significant directives: one barring the city from business or pension decisions that discriminate against Israel, and another bolstering protection for religious sites like synagogues, setting the stage for a clash with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a known supporter of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

Let’s start with Executive Order 60, which mirrors a state-level policy from 2016—continued under Gov. Kathy Hochul—that blocks dealings with companies backing BDS.

The New York Post reported that with New York City handling over $32 billion in procurement contracts yearly and managing pension funds worth nearly $300 billion, including $300 million in Israeli assets, this order has real teeth.

It’s a clear signal that Adams wants the city’s economic might aligned with Israel, not against it.

Adams Stands Firm on Israel Ties

Then there’s Executive Order 61, also signed on December 3, 2025, which tasks the NYPD with stricter enforcement to shield synagogues, churches, and mosques from harassment.

This comes hot on the heels of a disturbing incident just a week prior, where protesters swarmed Park East Synagogue on the Upper East Side, shouting vile slogans like “Globalize the intifada.” Adams isn’t playing around—there’s talk of revising patrol guides to create no-protest zones near houses of worship.

Speaking at the North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in New Orleans that same night, Adams didn’t mince words about his stance.

“This administration recognizes the benefit of maintaining a strong relationship between the city of New York and the state of Israel,” he declared. Well, that’s a diplomatic way of saying he’s not about to let progressive agendas derail deep economic and social bonds—bonds that matter in a city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel itself.

Adams doubled down with another pointed remark: “Today, we are ensuring our city government doesn’t participate in that type of behavior and are putting in safeguards that protect New Yorkers’ tax dollars and protect their right to practice their religion without harassment.”

That’s a direct shot at the BDS crowd, and frankly, it’s hard to argue with protecting both wallets and worship. But will everyone see it that way?

Enter Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who takes the reins on January 1, 2026, with a very different worldview. A vocal BDS supporter, he’s now staring down the barrel of Adams’ legacy—does he uphold these orders or scrap them? It’s a political hot potato, and the clock is ticking.

Adams, for his part, has never hidden his allegiance to Israel. Just last month, in November 2025, he launched the New York City–Israel Economic Council to boost cooperation, and back in June 2025, he adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which calls out demonizing Israel as a form of bias. This isn’t just policy—it’s personal conviction.

Contrast that with Mamdani’s stance, which aligns with a movement Adams clearly views as discriminatory. With city and state laws already banning contract bias based on national origin, Mamdani’s potential push to reverse these orders could land him in legal quicksand. How’s that for a welcome-to-office gift?

Pension Funds and Economic Stakes

New York City’s five pension systems support over 750,000 employees, retirees, and beneficiaries. While outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander has pulled back on Israel government bonds, he’s kept investments in Israeli companies alive. Adams’ order ensures those decisions won’t be swayed by political vendettas, at least for now.

But the comptroller’s role as investment advisor, alongside boards representing the mayor’s office, city agencies, and unions, means this isn’t a one-man show. Any shift under Mamdani could face pushback from multiple corners. It’s a chess game, and Adams just moved his knight.

Critics of BDS will likely cheer Adams for standing up to what they see as a divisive, anti-Israel campaign. Yet, supporters of Mamdani might argue these orders tie the hands of a new administration before it even starts. Fair point, but isn’t it also fair to ask why city funds should be weaponized for ideological battles?

Back to Executive Order 61—protecting religious spaces is a no-brainer in a city as diverse as New York. After all, if you can’t pray in peace, what’s left of the American promise? Adams is betting that most New Yorkers, regardless of politics, will back this move.

Still, the devil’s in the details—how far will these no-protest zones go, and will they chill free speech? It’s a tightrope walk between safety and rights, and Mamdani’s response will show where he stands on balancing the two. One thing’s certain: this debate is just getting started.