As NY1 first reported Thursday, the mayor's long-delayed trip to Israel is set for next week. As the itinerary is worked out, questions linger about the Israeli businessman who is footing the travel and hotel bill for the mayor and the aides making the journey. As NY1’s Josh Robin reported, the trip also comes as the security situation in Israel and the West Bank deteriorates.
The Israeli businessman and the mayor have never met, but a thank you may be in order if they do meet in Jerusalem. After all, the mayor will arrive there on Baruch Eliezer Gross’ dime.
Little is known about Gross. City Hall says they met through mutual friends. The mayor's office would not confirm word that one mutual friend was a bundler to the mayor's 2013 campaign.
Gross declined comment Friday, beyond a previous statement saying he was honored to support Mayor de Blasio as he talks about anti-Semitism.
He is the founder of an investment fund based in Jerusalem, with offices on Wall Street.
Its portfolio includes SkySaver, which helps people escape fires with a backpack equipped with a harness and a cable.
Some suggest he may be looking to city officials as potential clients.
A preliminary search shows Gross has no city contracts and has not made political donations. The city's conflicts of interest board cleared the trip.
"It could be promotional, but even if it is promotional on his part, and gets him nice play, at the end of the day, what he's doing is a great thing," said longtime de Blasio supporter Leon Goldenberg.
Goldberg is a Brooklyn real estate mogul who recently returned from Israel.
"Bringing the mayor at this time will bring all the cameras on the world, on Jerusalem," he said.
The mayor's trip comes during a flare-up of violence in the region, with stabbings reported in Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv. In the West Bank Friday, Palestinian youth clashed with Israeli soldiers.
Palestinians in New York are concerned the Mayor will neglect their cause when he goes to Israel.
“I think they're going to be looking forward to the mayor, if he visits Israel, that he should also visit the West Bank and Gaza, and hear both sides of the story," said Palestinian-American activist Zead Ramadan.
When asked about Gross, City Hall released a statement, saying, “We are grateful for Mr. Gross' generosity, which ensures that taxpayers won't foot the bill for mayoral and staff travel -- while allowing New York City to continue to lead when it comes to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, and protecting all communities. The gift is permitted under Conflicts of Interest Board rules."