By: Fern Sidman – Jewish Voice News

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has arrived in Israel for a multi-day visit focused on expanding economic, governmental, and technological cooperation, while also advancing joint efforts to combat antisemitism both globally and in New York City, VIN News reported on Saturday evening.

Adams’ office confirmed his arrival on Saturday, marking the beginning of an official mission that City Hall described as a “strategic partnership trip” centered on building stronger relationships with Israeli leaders across multiple sectors. During his stay, the mayor is scheduled to meet with Israeli government officials, leading figures in business and technology, prominent religious authorities, and will also visit several key religious and historical sites.

Shortly after landing, Adams shared a message with New Yorkers and Israeli followers alike on social media, emphasizing the purpose of his trip. “Arrived in Israel and wanted to quickly meet with my old friend Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor Asaf Zamir,” the mayor tweeted. “Thank you for always being willing to discuss how our two cities can continue to work together and for the walking tour of the vibrant Nachalat Binyamin neighborhood.”

According to the information provided in the VIN News report, the mayor’s visit shines a spotlight his ongoing commitment to reinforcing the long-standing relationship between New York City and the State of Israel. The trip’s primary objectives include expanding technological collaboration, stimulating economic development, and strengthening international cooperation to fight antisemitism—a goal Adams has frequently described as central to his administration’s values.

In a video message recorded prior to his departure, Adams addressed New Yorkers directly, outlining the scope of the trip. “New Yorkers, we’re heading to Israel to explore opportunities to partner with our friends there, while also continuing the fight against antisemitism here at home and abroad,” he said. “We know hate has no place anywhere in the world.”

City Hall officials told VIN News that Adams’ delegation includes members of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, as well as senior advisors in economic policy and technology. They will hold meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, two of Israel’s leading centers of governance and innovation, to examine areas for cooperation between Israeli startups and New York City’s thriving tech ecosystem.

The mayor is also expected to meet with representatives from the Israeli Ministry of Economy, the Israel Innovation Authority, and executives from major firms working in cybersecurity, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, according to the report at VIN News.

Adams’ trip marks his most extensive visit to Israel since taking office and aligns with his administration’s broader push to expand New York City’s global partnerships. His agenda, VIN News reported, will include exploring Israeli models for urban resilience, public safety technology, and sustainable energy development, with the goal of bringing new ideas back to New York.

Officials in Adams’ office said the mayor intends to “draw inspiration from Israel’s innovation-driven economy and adaptability,” noting that the visit is part of a broader effort to ensure New York City remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global technology market.

Israel’s reputation as the “Startup Nation,” with one of the highest per-capita concentrations of high-tech firms in the world, has made it a frequent destination for international mayors and policymakers. New York City has long maintained close economic and cultural ties with Israel, and Adams’ visit seeks to build on decades of collaboration in entrepreneurship, public safety, and education.

According to the information contained in the VIN News report, Adams is expected to sign several preliminary memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Israeli entities aimed at fostering bilateral investment and research. These agreements will target emerging fields such as climate technology, urban mobility, and digital infrastructure—sectors in which both Israel and New York are regarded as global leaders.

A key component of Adams’ trip is his ongoing commitment to combating antisemitism, an issue that has grown increasingly urgent in both New York and around the world. The VIN News report noted that Adams has repeatedly expressed concern about the rise in antisemitic incidents across the five boroughs and his determination to ensure that Jewish New Yorkers feel protected and supported.

Recent data released by the New York City Police Department revealed that Jewish residents accounted for the majority of reported hate crime victims last year, with antisemitic acts representing over half of all bias-related incidents citywide.

City officials accompanying Adams told VIN News that several meetings during his visit will focus on collaborative educational programs and community initiatives aimed at addressing the roots of antisemitism through cross-cultural dialogue and public awareness campaigns.

Adams’ itinerary includes visits to Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust remembrance center, and meetings with leaders from organizations that specialize in Holocaust education, interfaith cooperation, and community security training.

The mayor has long characterized the fight against antisemitism as a defining moral and civic priority. “When we fight antisemitism, we are fighting for the soul of our city and for the values that make New York strong,” Adams said in a recent statement. His administration has increased funding for security grants to synagogues and Jewish community centers and partnered with local organizations to develop anti-hate education programs in schools.

Adams’ visit comes at a politically sensitive time for New York, following the recent mayoral election that saw the victory of Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist who has been sharply critical of Israel and sympathetic to pro-Hamas, pro-terror movements. The election results have sharpened divisions within the city over issues of identity, security, and international alignment.

During the Democratic primary, candidates were asked which foreign country they would visit first if elected. Adams, reflecting his consistent support for Israel, reaffirmed his intent to strengthen ties between New York and Jerusalem, describing Israel as “a beacon of innovation and resilience” whose partnership with New York “extends beyond politics to shared values.”

Mamdani, in contrast, had pledged to prioritize domestic issues, criticizing international outreach efforts as “symbolic gestures that divert focus from New York City’s local needs.”

For Adams, the trip offers a clear demonstration of continuity in leadership and values. It signals his intention to maintain New York’s historic friendship with Israel while projecting a message of solidarity against hate and division at a time of heightened global tension.

As the VIN News report detailed, the mayor’s delegation is expected to spend much of its time engaging with Israel’s tech and innovation sector, touring facilities in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Meetings will include discussions on smart city planning, artificial intelligence-driven public safety systems, and environmental sustainability technologies.

Adams is also expected to meet with representatives of Israel’s urban security agencies to explore best practices for protecting large metropolitan populations — an issue that mirrors New York’s own security priorities.

In addition to official business, Adams will visit key spiritual sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock, symbolizing his outreach to diverse faith communities. His itinerary reflects the dual purpose of the trip: advancing practical cooperation while reinforcing the moral and spiritual ties that bind New York to Israel.

City Hall sources cited by VIN News emphasized that Adams hopes to bring back concrete policy models and partnerships that will directly benefit New Yorkers, particularly in the areas of public safety technology, economic opportunity, and education.

Adams’ office confirmed that he will conclude his visit with a press briefing in Jerusalem, where he will outline the key takeaways from his meetings and announce new partnership initiatives between New York City and Israeli organizations.

According to the information contained in the VIN News report, the mayor views the trip as part of a broader global outreach strategy to position New York City as both a hub of innovation and a leader in promoting tolerance and coexistence.

In his pre-departure message, Adams summed up the mission’s purpose in clear terms: “We are going to Israel to strengthen partnerships, share ideas, and reaffirm our commitment to fighting hate in all its forms. New York stands with Israel — today, tomorrow, and always.”

For the mayor, the visit represents more than diplomacy. It reaffirms New York City’s enduring bond with Israel — a relationship built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and an unwavering commitment to stand against hate wherever it appears.