The new condition, which also applies to terrorism prevention funds for major cities, is the latest use of federal funds for a political message
The condition applies to at least US$1.9 billion that states rely on to cover search and rescue equipment, emergency manager salaries and backup power systems, among other expenses, according to 11 agency grant notices reviewed by Reuters.
“DHS will enforce all anti-discrimination laws and policies, including as it relates to the BDS movement, which is expressly grounded in antisemitism,” a spokesperson for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement.
The requirement is largely symbolic. At least 34 states already have anti-BDS laws or policies, according to a University of Pennsylvania law journal. Fema will require major cities to agree to the Israel policy to receive a cut of US$553.5 million set aside to prevent terrorism in dense areas, according to a grant notice posted on Friday.
New York City is scheduled to receive the largest share of the funding, at US$92.2 million. According to the notice, allocations are based on the agency’s analysis of the “relative risk of terrorism”.
