New York City and Israel Sign Declaration of Intent to Launch NYC-Israel Economic Council

May 19, 2025

Historic Declaration of Intent Reconfirms New York City’s Solidarity with Israel, 
Opens Five Boroughs to More Economic Opportunity 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat today signed a Declaration of Intent establishing the New York City–Israel Economic Council, a joint initiative that will strengthen economic ties and promote innovation between the two governments. Starting today, the council will facilitate business partnerships between New York City and Israeli companies; support Israeli businesses looking to establish a presence in New York City; promote collaboration in key technological sectors, including environmental innovation, life sciences, and artificial intelligence; and coordinate participation in major business and technology conferences. 

“Today, our administration is proud to launch the New York City–Israel Economic Council to deepen economic ties between our governments and serve as a gateway to the U.S. market for Israeli businesses — forging partnerships with New York City companies; advancing innovation in areas like environmental tech, life sciences, and AI; and helping Israeli startups establish a home in the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “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.” 

“It is a tremendous honor to establish this joint council with one of the world’s greatest cities: New York City. A global hub of innovation, creativity, and economic leadership, New York represents a powerful partner for Israel’s thriving business ecosystem,” said Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat. “The creation of this council reflects a strong vote of confidence in the vitality of Israeli innovation and in New York’s position as a gateway to global markets. This agreement will have a very positive impact on the international exports from Israel’s market, establish a stronger presence of Israel’s renowned innovation in New York City, and open opportunities in sectors such as fintech, health tech and life sciences, high tech and software, defense and public safety, environmental innovation, and agro-food tech. This initiative opens new opportunities for Israeli companies to engage with the dynamic New York market, while contributing meaningful value to the city's diverse economy. We extend our deep gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams for his enduring friendship and partnership with Israel, his commitment to strengthening economic ties, and his unwavering support for Israel on the international stage.” 

The Mayor's Office for International Affairs is spearheading the initiative, partnering with the council made up of representatives from the New York City Mayor’s Office and Israel’s Economic Mission to the United States. While the Declaration of Intent is nonbinding, it underscores a strong mutual commitment and a long history of collaboration between the two governments.  

The council will meet regularly and follow jointly developed guidelines, and will focus on partnerships in economic development, emergency management, education, and technology. New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and today’s agreement reinforces the longstanding bond between these two communities. 

Today’s announcement adds to the long history of collaboration between New York City and Israel and highlights the proud tradition of New York City mayors supporting the Jewish state. In May 2025, Mayor Adams established the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism — the first office of its kind established in a major city across the nation — to address an unprecedented rise in antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate in New York City, and to ensure Jewish New Yorkers feel safe 

“The launch of the New York City–Israel Economic Council is a powerful example of what’s possible when two innovative governments come together,” said Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Ed Mermelstein. “This initiative not only strengthens the deep and historic bond between New York and Israel, but it also opens the door to real economic opportunity — from cutting-edge tech partnerships to job creation right here in our five boroughs. Today's announcement is a smart, strategic move that reflects this administration's steadfast support for our Jewish brothers and sisters, and our commitment to building a prosperous future in New York City.” 

“The NYC–Israel Economic Council represents both strategic partnership and moral clarity,” said Moshe Davis, executive director, Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism. “As antisemitism rises globally, New York City is responding with substantive collaboration in key sectors like environmental innovation and artificial intelligence. 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.” 

“The launch of an NYC-Israel Economic Council will pave the way for Israeli businesses and startups to establish a presence in New York City,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “As the applied AI capital of the world and home to a robust tech ecosystem, New York is a place where Israeli startups and businesses can continue to thrive. With Israel’s strong tech sector and leadership in future-focused sectors, we look forward to the innovation and partnership that will come from this Economic Council.” 

“Today’s historic agreement is another example of the unbreakable bond between the State of Israel and the City of New York,” said Consul General from Israel in New York, Ofir Akunis. “Thank you, Mayor Adams, for your bold commitment to the people and the State of Israel” 

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