New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has previously “blackballed a dozen foreign companies for supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.”

As the New York Post reported, Cuomo issued an executive order barring New York State’s government from investing public funds in any firms that back the BDS campaign. At the time, Cuomo said that “New York stands in solidarity with Israel, today and always. This state will not stand for the politics of discrimination in any form, and we will continue to demonstrate our unwavering support for the people of Israel in the fight for freedom, liberty and democracy. ”

New York State is right not to do business with those who boycott America’s closest ally in the Middle East.

So why has the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health selected pro-BDS activist Linda Sarsour as its commencement speaker?

Sarsour is a proud advocate of BDS, and an open opponent of the state of Israel.

As Haaretz reported:

Sarsour’s history of criticizing Israel and Muslims who cooperate with Israel-related organizations dates back years. In 2015, shortly after the Shalom Hartman Institute created the Muslim Leadership Initiative … Sarsour tweeted her opposition.

Sarsour has also noted that she “believes in a one-state solution” (which ultimately means the end of Israel), and has said that “nothing is creepier than Zionism.” Furthermore, Sarsour has advocated violence against Israeli soldiers. She once posted  a photo of a Palestinian throwing a rock at Israeli soldiers, and labeled it “the definition of courage.”

The chief of staff to CUNY’s dean recently issued the following statement: “I am delighted to confirm that Linda Sarsour will indeed speak at our June 1 commencement at the Apollo Theater.”

This is shameful — and Governor Cuomo must act to stop the speech from happening.

Ronn Torossian is a public relations executive.

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