NYC, Israel agree to create joint economic council

New Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that he and Nir Barkat, the Israeli economy and industry minister, have agreed to create the New York City-Israel Economic Council, which will “strengthen economic ties and promote innovation between the two governments.”

The new council will “deepen economic ties between our governments and serve as a gateway to the US market for Israeli businesses — forging partnerships with New York City companies, advancing innovation in areas like environmental tech, life sciences and artificial intelligence and helping Israeli startups establish a home in the five boroughs,” Adams stated.

“Today’s announcement of a declaration of intent reflects a proud tradition of New York City mayors collaborating with Israel and will drive innovation, create jobs and strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two governments,” stated the mayor.

The nonbinding declaration of intent “underscores a strong mutual commitment and a long history of collaboration between the two governments,” per City Hall.

Moshe Davis, executive director of the new mayoral office to combat Jew-hatred, stated that the new council “represents both strategic partnership and moral clarity.”

“As antisemitism rises globally, New York City is responding with substantive collaboration in key sectors like environmental innovation and artificial intelligence,” he stated. “This council will not only drive opportunity and growth, it will demonstrate that the world’s greatest city stands firmly with Israel and the Jewish people.”

Adams has said he plans to run for reelection in November as an independent. He won’t be on the Democratic primary ballot in June.