NYC Comptroller Accused of Divesting Pension Funds from Israel

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander is facing accusations of quietly pulling New York City pension funds from Israeli government bonds. This allegedly contrasts with the actions of his predecessors and the New York State pension system, which holds a substantial $363.9 million investment in Israeli bonds.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/local-new-york-politicians-gathered-99984302.jpg?w=1024" alt="City Comptroller Brad Lander">

The city initially invested $30 million in Israeli bonds in 1974. While previous Comptrollers Bill Thompson, John Liu, and Scott Stringer reinvested when bonds matured, Lander's administration now reports only $1.17 million remaining, held solely by the Police Pension Fund.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/2023-attack-israel-take-part-99186409.jpg?w=1024" alt="An Israeli flag at a demonstration">

Lander's office claims the city doesn't invest directly in foreign sovereign debt, but critics like Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, a former CUNY trustee and Israel bond investor, argue this constitutes "passive divestment" for political reasons.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/030325-brad-lander-wife-meg-99704168_f6fcff.jpg?w=1024" alt="Brad Lander and his wife">

Wiesenfeld accuses Lander of aligning himself with anti-Israel groups, contrasting him with State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who maintains a significant investment in Israeli bonds and is praised for his stance.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/state-comptroller-thomas-dinapoli-speaks-96925681.jpg?w=1024" alt="State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli">

While Lander's office denies supporting BDS, the controversy highlights the politically charged nature of the issue and its potential impact on the upcoming mayoral primary.

Former Comptroller Scott Stringer, a mayoral rival to Lander, declined to comment on the situation.