New Coalition Fights for Israeli Tech Amid NYC Political Headwinds

NEW YORK, NY – February 03, 2026 – A powerful new alliance of business leaders and community stakeholders has formed to defend New York’s burgeoning Israeli-founded tech sector and other Jewish-owned businesses, citing a confluence of threatening municipal policy shifts and a rise in antisemitic incidents that they argue jeopardizes tens of thousands of jobs and the city’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Announced today, the NYICC Coalition brings together prominent organizations including the New York-Israel Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of New York State, and the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. Their stated mission is to safeguard businesses with Israeli or Jewish affiliations from what they describe as an increasingly hostile environment, ensuring they can operate and grow without fear of discrimination or politically motivated threats.

A Hostile Policy Turn

At the heart of the coalition's concerns is a sharp policy reversal under the new mayoral administration. Upon taking office in January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel and supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, rescinded several key executive orders enacted by his predecessor, Eric Adams. These now-revoked orders had explicitly blocked city agencies from participating in boycotts of Israel and aligned New York City with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

The coalition argues that the dismantling of these protections sends a chilling message to the business community. "When political agendas lead to an economic environment where antisemitic threats and actions become the norm, immediate collective action is required," stated Galit Meyran, CEO of the Israel - America Chamber of Commerce and a NYICC Coalition Board Member.

The previous administration had actively cultivated economic ties, even establishing a New York City–Israel Economic Council. The new coalition contends that the current administration's actions have created a climate of uncertainty that erodes the rights of these businesses and stifles competition.

An Economic Powerhouse Under Pressure

The economic stakes for New York City are substantial. According to the "New York – Israel Economic Report 2025" from the United States Israel Business Alliance, the city is home to approximately 676 Israeli-founded business establishments. This ecosystem includes 20 "Unicorns"—private companies with valuations exceeding $1 billion. Together, these firms are a significant engine of prosperity, creating over 27,000 jobs and contributing an estimated $12.4 billion in value to the city's economy in 2024 alone.

Coalition members stress that this economic contribution is now at risk. "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 & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "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... there should be no place in the city or elsewhere for discrimination against any business or entrepreneur based on who they are or where they come from."

Mark Jaffe, President & CEO of the Greater New York Chamber, echoed this sentiment. "NY should not be jeopardizing jobs nor future job creation based upon economic discrimination," he stated. "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. We are proud to be part of the Coalition that is standing up and encouraging support for Israeli backed businesses."

From Geopolitics to Neighborhood Threats

The coalition's formation is not only a response to policy changes but also to a tangible increase in harassment and threats on the ground. The group's launch comes on the heels of a documented surge in antisemitic incidents across the city. In January 2026, the New York City Council was compelled to launch a bipartisan task force to combat the problem, prompted by events such as the defacement of a Borough Park playground with dozens of swastikas and an attack on the Chabad world headquarters.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported record numbers of antisemitic incidents, with New York State consistently leading the nation. The NYICC Coalition asserts that this toxic climate directly impacts their members, with Jewish institutions and Israeli-owned businesses reporting increased vandalism and workplace pressure to disavow any ties to Israel.

"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," said Al Kinel, President of the NYICC Coalition. This concern is a core pillar of the coalition's mandate, which aims to advocate for policies that protect businesses from antisemitic practices and other threats to their operations.

A Unified Mandate for Stability

In response to these challenges, the NYICC Coalition has outlined a clear, three-part mandate. First, it will focus on Bolstering Business Safety & Security by advocating for the reinstatement of policies that protect businesses from discriminatory practices. Second, it will work to Promote Competitive, Innovative Markets by pushing for clear and predictable regulations that create a level playing field for all. Finally, it will commit to Supporting Growth for Tech & Innovation by providing resources, networking, and a unified voice for Israeli-affiliated startups and tech firms navigating the city’s new regulatory landscape.

The coalition represents a broad and determined cross-section of New York's business community, signaling a coordinated effort to push back against the perceived threats. "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," Kinel warned.

As this new alliance steps into the public arena, its actions will be closely watched by city officials, investors, and the wider business community. The coalition is positioning itself as a shield for a vital economic sector, framing the debate as a fight not only for a specific group of businesses but for the principles of free enterprise and inclusive prosperity that have long defined New York City.