NYC Treasurer Pledges Israel War Bonds While City Grapples With Housing Crisis
đź“° THE STORY: New York City council member Zohran Mamdani advocates for NYC to divest its pension funds from Israel, citing its human rights abuses. This call for divestment directly clashes with the city's newly elected Comptroller, Mark Levine, who has enthusiastically pledged to purchase Israeli war bonds, effectively routing New Yorkers' public funds into Israel's military and economy amidst
its genocidal campaign in Gaza. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: New York City pension funds have invested in Israeli bonds for decades, cementing a financial relationship that underwrites an occupation stretching back to 1967. This isn't just about 'Israel,' but successive Israeli governments' policies, including the 17-year blockade of Gaza and accelerated settlement
expansion in the West Bank—both direct violations of international law. The recent commitment to 'war bonds' comes as Israel faces a genocide case at the ICJ over its 2023-24 campaign that has killed over 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Double Standard: Imagine a major US city's comptroller proudly announcing investments in bonds from a country actively condemned by leading international bodies for
war crimes and genocide, like South Africa during apartheid. The mainstream media would be awash with outrage. Yet, when it's Israel, the pledge is framed as a show of 'solidarity,' largely devoid of critical scrutiny regarding the destination of these public funds or the ethical implications for New York taxpayers. Follow the Money: The decision to buy Israeli bonds is not just a financial one;