The state of New York last week became the latest state to pass legislation against the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The New York State Senate passed a bill that prohibits the state from doing business with companies that seek to harm Israel and other American allies through boycotts and discriminatory economic agendas.
The bill (S6378A), sponsored by Senator Jack Martins (7th Senate District) and Senator Simcha Felder (17th Senate District), passed on Wednesday.
It expands existing state law to prevent New York from entering into a state contract or investment with those seeking to economically harm American allies.
Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said following the approval, “New York taxpayers need to be protected from becoming unwitting supporters of those who are trying to undermine our greatest ally, Israel, and other critical allies. We are demonstrating that New York will continue to stand with our international partners and protect our shared interests.”
Senator Martins said, “Our tax dollars should not be used to aid those who wish to harm our friends. Israel and our other allies stand side by side with us to protect New Yorkers and all Americans. We owe it to them to ensure our own resources are not used in efforts to attack them. This sends a strong message that New York State supports those who have continually supported us.”
Senator Felder said, “Those who advocate and engage in boycotts against Israel, and who promote anti-Semitic ideology, have no place as a state contractor. This is very meaningful legislation that protects our nation’s allies and stands up against bigotry and injustice.”
Read the full article at Arutz Sheva
