Cuomo creates N.Y.-Israel biz unit to strengthen ties

When you combine to form academic and cultural bonds, with a focus on security, I see a smarter, stronger and safer future for both New York and Israel.

GOV. CUOMO announced the formation of a New York-Israel business commission Sunday amid an onslaught of anti-Semitic vandalism and threats.

Daily News Chairman and Publisher Mortimer B. Zuckerman will serve as honorary chairman of the 22-member New York-Israel Commission aimed at fostering economic and cultural ties between the Jewish state and the Empire State.

“I am honored that Gov. Cuomo has named me to a commission that supports two places — New York and Israel — that have been so important and dear to me,” Zuckerman said.

“I have long believed in the benefits of collaboration on an international level, especially in the sciences, which are sure to benefit mankind in ways never dreamed of.

“When you combine to form academic and cultural bonds, with a focus on security, I see a smarter, stronger and safer future for both New York and Israel,” Zuckerman added.

Cuomo said the impact of the new partnership will be felt across the globe in coming years, noting that last year, commodities exported from New York to Israel generated $4.89 billion of economic activity.

“These individuals will help continue to strengthen our relationship with the Jewish community and reaffirm our commitment to Israel,” Cuomo said in a statement.

The announcement came during a whirlwind tour of Israel by Cuomo in which he paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, discussed security challenges shared by both New York and Israel, and launched a new partnership between Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the New York Genome Center. Cuomo also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Cuomo took the “unity trip” in light of anti-Semitic incidents around the country, including phone threats to Jewish community centers. The symbolic journey featured less than 24 hours scheduled on the ground in Israel before Cuomo returns to the U.S.

He said the trip reinforced Israel and New York’s “historic relationship.”