New York business leaders form coalition to protect Israeli-linked companies

The move follows growing concern after Mayor Zohran Mamdani rolled back several pro-Israel measures enacted under former mayor Eric Adams.

By World Israel News Staff

Two of New York’s leading business groups have joined forces to launch a new alliance aimed at protecting Jewish and Israeli companies from what organizers describe as politically driven economic discrimination, according to the New York Post.

The New York State Chamber of Commerce and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of the New York-Israeli Chamber of Commerce Coalition, with additional business organizations expected to join.

The coalition says it will work to counter city and state policies that could expose Israeli-linked and Jewish businesses to economic discrimination.

The Post reported that the move follows growing concern within the business community after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani rolled back several pro-Israel measures enacted under former mayor Eric Adams.

Those reversals included the city’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism and executive orders barring city agencies and pension funds from engaging in anti-Israel boycotts.

Business leaders involved in the coalition stressed that Israeli companies are deeply embedded in New York’s economy.

Guy Franklin, founder and CEO of Israeli Mapped in NY, said 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,” Franklin said. “They pay taxes, lease office space, and contribute to local communities across the city.”

Heather Mulligan, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, said protecting Israeli-founded businesses aligns with New York’s economic DNA.

“New York City’s strength and growth have always come from its diversity and welcoming of entrepreneurs from around the world,” she said, adding that Israeli companies are “an equally important part of our economy.”

Mark Jaffe, president and CEO of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and a coalition board member, warned that New York “should not be jeopardizing jobs nor future job creation based upon economic discrimination.”

He added, “Israel is a strong friend and ally of the United States. 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 the effort is a response to a dangerous trend.

“When political agendas lead to an economic environment where antisemitic threats and actions become the norm, immediate collective action is required,” she said.

The coalition says it plans to press city and state leaders to restore and defend policies ensuring equal treatment for Jewish and Israeli businesses in New York’s marketplace.