The Brian Lehrer Show 30 Issues in 30 Days: NYC Government's Impact on the Middle East
Oct 6, 2025
Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor and independent mayoral candidate, discusses the legal angles of NYC's policy choices on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He supports Andrew Cuomo's anti-BDS stance, arguing against potential economic repercussions. Jeremy Cohan, a sociologist and DSA leader, advocates for Zohran Mamdani's Not On Our Dime Act, aiming to halt funding for Israeli settlements. The conversation dives into free speech implications, the economic stakes of divestment, and the urgency of addressing U.S. complicity in global conflicts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Candidates Used Office To Shape The Conflict
- Both Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani used state power to influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before running for mayor.
- Cuomo targeted BDS opponents while Mamdani targeted nonprofits funding West Bank settlers.
Expect Legal Pushback On BDS Policies
- Legal constraints limit municipal or state BDS actions because anti-discrimination laws protect businesses from nationality-based punishment.
- Expect court challenges if a mayor tries to divest or sanction firms solely for Israel ties.
Economic Stakes Shape Policy Choices
- Cuomo's supporters frame economic ties to Israel as job-creating and worth defending.
- They warn that punitive city policies could drive away startups and jobs.