Senator Martins' Statement on Governor Cuomo's Executive Order Directing Divestment of Public Funds Supporting BDS Campaign Against Israel

June 5, 2016

state government

"As the Senate sponsor of legislation to prohibit New York State from doing business with entities that engage in the BDS movement, I applaud Governor Cuomo for issuing this Executive Order. Our tax dollars should not be used to support an intolerant movement whose sole purpose is to harm Israel, one of our closest allies. This sends a strong message that New York State stands side by side with Israel just as she has stood with us. To reinforce that message, the Assembly should pass anti-BDS legislation, just as the Senate has done, before the end of session and codify these safeguards into law."