The New York City-Israel Economic Council, a new joint initiative between the two governments aimed at building economic ties, hosted its launch event on Wednesday at New York City Hall.  

The council is a reflection of “the long relationship we’ve had with [New York City],” Anat Katz, the outgoing head of Israel’s economic mission in the U.S., told the crowd, which included representatives from American and Israeli companies including Google and Electra as well as Israeli venture capitalists. “This group is the embodiment of these strong ties,” Katz said. “It’s not political. It’s not Jewish. It’s a place for people to engage and get things done.” 

New York City and Israel are the second and third largest technology hubs in the world, respectively, after Silicon Valley. While the relationship between the two has been strong for years, Katz said, the council was formed as a way to ensure “that systematically we are connected.” The council’s focus will include partnerships in economic development, emergency management, education and technology. In the fall, the council — which is currently seeking advisors — plans to coordinate delegations focused on AI and cybertechnology.  

A declaration of intent to establish the council was initially signed in May by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat. The mayor’s Office for International Affairs will lead the program. 

The launch comes as Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent, has stepped up his outreach to the city’s Jewish voters as he faces off against Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee. Mamdani said in June that if elected mayor, he would discontinue the council. 

Randy Mastro, New York City’s first deputy mayor, also addressed the audience at Wednesday’s event, which neither Adams nor Barkat attended.