New York, NY - Assemblyman David Weprin issued the following statement in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order to divest public funds from those that support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel:

“The BDS movement seeks to de-legitimize Israel, the only nation in the region that offers full citizenship to its inhabitants regardless of race or religion, by advocating for a boycott of all Israeli products and businesses” said Assemblyman David Weprin. “In addition to a blanket boycott of Israel, the BDS movement also selectively engages in rhetoric that aims to isolate Israel from its allies and the greater global community.”

“The underhanded tactics used by supporters of the BDS movement only serve to discriminate against all Israelis and as such, I applaud Governor Andrew Cuomo for issuing this Executive Order against the BDS movement.” Weprin continued. “New York and Israel enjoy a special relationship and Governor Cuomo’s order ensures that Israel will not be unfairly discriminated against by businesses contracted by New York State.”