NEW YORK CITY — The New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government approved reimbursement for Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s trip to Israel sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, despite raising concerns that the trip could create an appearance of potential improper influence. The decision followed a complaint filed in October by Lisa Mulleneaux, a researcher with Jewish Voice for Peace’s “Break the Bonds” campaign.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York sponsored DiNapoli’s trip, during which, according to an itinerary obtained by Jewish Voice for Peace New York, he was scheduled to meet with Israel Bonds staffers. The council also received financial backing from Israel Bonds for a float in the 2024 Israel Day Parade. DiNapoli has invested $120 million of the state’s common retirement fund in Israel Bonds since the February 2024 trip, adding to a $20 million investment made after the October 7 attacks. The total investment of New York state pension funds in Israel Bonds now stands at $332.5 million.

“By participating in trips organized and paid for by an organization that receives institutional donations and is closely and publicly aligned with Israel Bonds, while simultaneously promoting his office’s ongoing investments in Israel Bonds, Comptroller DiNapoli engaged in a foreign policy function far outside his statutory mandate as a fiduciary to millions of pensioners and public employees,” Mulleneaux said. She added, “This represents a serious violation of his ethical obligation under §74(3)(f) to avoid any impression that his official duties can be swayed by outside groups.” Mulleneaux also stated, “At minimum, it undermines public trust in the independence of the Comptroller’s office and the integrity of the state’s investment decisions.” In response, a spokesperson for DiNapoli told The Intercept that his office was unaware of any ethics complaint filed in relation to the trip.

Kaycee Wimbish, a Kingston, New York, resident active with the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, criticized the investments, saying, “It is hard to justify this as financial prudence or an effective strategy for diversification, especially when many other comparable investments are less risky; more transparent; and more liquid.” DiNapoli is facing his first primary challenge in 18 years, with opponents Raj Goyle and Drew Warshaw pledging to divest from Israel if elected.