NEW YORK – Mark Levine, the Democratic nominee expected to become New York City’s next comptroller, says he will bring back the city’s investment in Israeli government bonds—undoing the current policy under Comptroller Brad Lander.
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Lander had allowed nearly $40 million in Israeli bonds to mature without reinvestment, ending a decades-long practice. Levine criticized that decision, noting that New York City’s pension funds are now out of step with others across the country. “We’re the only major system not invested in Israel Bonds,” he said, emphasizing their value as a stable and responsible part of a global investment strategy.
Lander has maintained that his move was based on financial considerations, not politics. But his approach has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including from former Comptroller Scott Stringer, who pointed out that Israeli bonds have a strong track record and accused Lander of letting ideology influence investment decisions.
If elected, Levine says he will return New York City’s pension funds to investing in Israeli bonds, aligning with systems like the New York State pension fund, which currently holds over $360 million in such assets.
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