The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, with a membership of over 950 Orthodox Rabbis across the United States and Canada — commends New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for announcingduring his Solidarity and Trade Mission to Israel a two million dollar partnership agreement to foster new economic development opportunities between New York State and the State of Israel.

According to Governor Cuomo’s announcement, the Smart Cities Innovation Partnership will share innovative technologies, research, talent and business resources between cities in New York and Israel. The Hot Spot and Incubator Program will focus on supporting Israeli investments in New York I those in the areas of cybersecurity, UAS/drones, biotechnology, life sciences and clean energy. Governor Cuomo made this announcement during an economic development roundtable he hosted designed to identify ooportunities for Israeli businesses to partner with New York.

Governor Cuomo’s said, “The New York-Israel economic relationship is unique and it is strong, but we want to make it even better. The future of New York is going to be growth in the tech sector, and this joint venture between New York and Israel will develop new opportunities that allow both economies to thrive even further.” The governor added, “With the rise in anti-Semitic attacks in our State and across the nation, we are here to say how sad, embarrassed and disgusted we are with these incidents, and that we will not let it stand. We will get over this ugly period of division and hatred, and one of the ways to do that is by continuing to develop this deep cultural, political and economic relationship.”

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America stated, “the Rabbinical Alliance of America commends Governor Cuomo for taking a strong stand against BDS in word and in deed. By announcing further economic partnerships with Israel, Governor Cuomo is reiterating New York’s strong stance against the BDS movement which sadly amounts to economic terrorism against Israel, America’s true democratic ally in the Middle East. Further, the Governor by doing so has shown that New York will not tolerate anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry. Our hope and prayer is that other governors throughout the United States will emulate Governor Cuomo and engage their respective states in similar economic partnerships with Israel. We can only win the war against BDS and anti-Semitism, hatred and bigotry, through the leadership and proactive approach demonstrated by Governor Cuomo.”

The Rabbinical Alliance of America reiterates that support for Israel and the condemnation of ant-Semitism, hatred and bigotry should never be a partisan issue and that all peace-loving people should rally behind these great causes and have their voices heard.