New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat announced the formation of the New York City�Israel Economic Council on Monday, aiming to deepen economic ties and foster innovation between the two governments.

The council, formalized through a nonbinding declaration of intent, is designed to serve as a launchpad for Israeli businesses looking to enter the U.S. market, while encouraging collaboration in sectors such as environmental technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, fintech, and public safety.

�This agreement will strengthen the unbreakable bond between our two governments and serve as a gateway to opportunity,� Mayor Adams said. �It will help Israeli startups establish a home in the five boroughs, advance cutting-edge innovation, and create jobs right here in New York City.�

The initiative comes as Adams seeks to bolster his economic platform amid growing challenges in his reelection campaign. City Hall described the agreement as a continuation of the long tradition of New York City mayors fostering partnerships with Israel.

Barkat hailed the new initiative as a �tremendous honor,� calling New York �a global hub of innovation, creativity and economic leadership.�

�This agreement will have a very positive impact on Israel�s international exports and provide Israeli companies a stronger presence in the U.S.,� Barkat said. �It reflects a strong vote of confidence in the vitality of Israeli innovation and New York�s unique position as a gateway to global markets.�

The council will also focus on strategic sectors including health tech, defense and public safety, high tech, and agro-food technologies, according to Barkat.

Moshe Davis, executive director of the newly formed mayoral office to combat antisemitism, praised the council as both a strategic move and a moral statement.

�As antisemitism rises globally, New York City is responding with real action,� Davis said. �This collaboration demonstrates that the world�s greatest city stands firmly with Israel and the Jewish people, while driving economic opportunity and technological progress.�

The NYC-Israel Economic Council is expected to begin facilitating exchanges between city officials, business leaders, and innovators from both regions in the coming months.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)