In a public ceremony, Governor Chris Christie signed into law S1923, codifying prohibitions on NJ State Investment Council investment in businesses engaged in the boycott of Israel and Israeli companies. At the signing event, the governor spoke extremely strongly in support of the New Jersey-Israel relationship.
“Standing with Israel, for peace and democracy, requires more than just pledging military defense and support,” Governor Christie said. “It is in all of our best interests to invest in and partner with Israel, while opposing any attempt to wipe out Israel, economically or otherwise. I’m proud to take this action today and help set an example for other states and nations throughout the world to join New Jersey by enacting similar laws against the radical ‘BDS’ movement, as well as our earlier divestment from foreign companies with equity ties to Iran and Sudan.”
Mark Schwartz, co-publisher of The Jewish Link of New Jersey and a member of Teaneck’s town council, was impressed with Governor Christie’s comments and was proud to have witnessed the signing. “It was a great speech by the governor, explaining the many reasons for the full bi-partisan support of the legislative and executive branches of the New Jersey government for the anti-BDS bill, from moral to ethical, financial to sensical. I wish all government would be as bi-partisan as this bill was. We would really get things done,” said Schwartz.
Gordon Haas, president of the NJ State Association of Jewish Federations, indicated his gratefulness for the support for the long-standing NJ-Israel relationship provided by Governor Christie and the legislature’s sponsors for the anti-BDS legislation. “A statewide collaborative advocacy effort led by the state association brought together a number of supportive community organizations to deliver a strong message about the unshakeable partnership that continues to exist between our state and the nation of Israel. When our friends are challenged with discriminatory and hurtful action such as the effort to boycott Israel and Israeli businesses, New Jersey will respond affirmatively to come to their assistance and to defend a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Elizabeth resident Mark S. Levenson, chairman of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, commented on the bill’s enactment, “The best interests of New Jersey and its citizens are served by furthering a strong economy, developing trade opportunities, strengthening our global business interconnectivity and protecting partnerships that continue to benefit our state. In this context, it is important to gratefully acknowledge Governor Christie’s enactment of S1923 and his strong endorsement of the New Jersey-Israel relationship. Prohibiting discriminatory practices, such as boycotts of Israel and Israeli businesses, is key to continuing the story of success that has seen the New Jersey-Israel Commission help grow the trade partnership between the state and Israel and Israeli companies to $1.8 billion annually.”
New Jersey joins the federal government, South Carolina, Illinois and New York in taking action against the “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions” (“BDS”) movement, an attempt to weaken and overtake Israel by creating economic calamity. Governor Christie also joined 15 other governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C., in signing the American Jewish Committee’s “Governors Against BDS” pledge, reaffirming “support for Israel as a vital U.S. ally, important economic partner and champion of freedom.”
