Hempstead eyes barring companies that boycott America, Israel from town work

Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino, accompanied by Councilmen Bruce Blakeman and Anthony D’Esposito, announced last Wednesday that the town will be among the first municipalities in New York State to consider legislation to bar town government from doing business with individuals or companies that boycott America, Israel, or other allies.

The three town officials made the announcement at Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, along with area rabbis and religious leaders, business owners and other officials who are against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement.

The proposed law requires individuals or companies seeking to do business with the town to submit a certification that they do not - and will not for the duration of the contract - engage in a boycott of Israel. Violations of this law could result in the town rescinding a contract.

Santino said he will call for a public hearing at the May 24th Hempstead Town Board meeting, and the actual hearing on the matter will be scheduled for June 21st.