Eric Adams says he will in his next act

In a bold statement marking the end of his tenure as New York City mayor, Eric Adams has unveiled ambitious post-City Hall plans that blend his passion for cryptocurrency with social justice. Declaring his intent to leverage crypto technology against global challenges, Adams specifically highlighted using it to combat antisemitism, curb violence, and educate the next generation. This announcement comes at a pivotal time for blockchain enthusiasts, as it signals a potential new frontier for crypto in philanthropy and activism.

Eric Adams’ Longstanding Love Affair with Cryptocurrency

Eric Adams has never shied away from embracing emerging technologies. Upon taking office in 2022, he made headlines by opting to receive his mayoral salary in Bitcoin, positioning NYC as a crypto-friendly hub. “Bitcoin is the future of finance,” Adams proclaimed at the time, converting his first paycheck into BTC and ETH to showcase his commitment. This move wasn’t just symbolic—it aimed to attract blockchain innovators to the city, fostering Web3 startups and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.

Now, as he prepares to hand over the reins to incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani, Adams is pivoting his crypto advocacy toward real-world impact. In a recent public appearance, he stated, “I also want to use cryptocurrency to go after violence, educate our children, and really deal with antisemitism that we’re seeing globally.” While details remain sparse, Adams teased his tech-savvy background, noting, “Many people know that I’m a big technology person.”

How Could Cryptocurrency Combat Antisemitism?

The intersection of blockchain and fighting hate might sound unconventional, but the possibilities are intriguing. Here’s how crypto could revolutionize efforts against antisemitism:

• Transparent Donations and Funding: Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures every dollar donated to anti-hate organizations is trackable. Smart contracts could automate fund distribution to Jewish community centers, Holocaust education programs, or legal aid for hate crime victims, minimizing corruption and building donor trust.
• Tokenized Awareness Campaigns: Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could fundraise for antisemitism awareness. Imagine limited-edition NFTs depicting Jewish resilience—proceeds going directly to victim support via decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
• Crypto Rewards for Reporting Hate: Platforms could incentivize users with tokens for flagging antisemitic content online, creating a decentralized network of moderators powered by community staking.
• Global Education Initiatives: Adams mentioned child education; blockchain-based platforms like decentralized learning DAOs could deliver tamper-proof curricula on Jewish history and tolerance, accessible worldwide via crypto micropayments.
• Secure Cross-Border Aid: With rising global antisemitism, stablecoins enable instant, low-fee remittances to affected communities in Europe or Israel, bypassing traditional banking hurdles.

These applications align with broader crypto philanthropy trends. Projects like The Giving Block have already processed billions in crypto donations, proving blockchain’s efficacy for causes from disaster relief to human rights.

Adams’ Pro-Jewish Legacy in His Final Months

Adams hasn’t waited for his post-mayoral chapter to act. In his waning days at City Hall, he’s amplified support for Jewish New Yorkers amid surging antisemitism post-October 7, 2023. Earlier this month, he signed an executive order prohibiting city officials from participating in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel—a direct counter to incoming mayor Mamdani’s criticisms of the Jewish state.

This builds on NYC’s robust Jewish community, home to over 1.1 million Jews. Adams’ actions echo his broader tech-forward governance, including pilots for blockchain in supply chain transparency and digital IDs.

Honoring Jewish Icons: Marvin Scott’s Key to the City

In a heartfelt gesture, Adams presented a key to the city to Jewish broadcast legend Marvin Scott last Friday. A 14-time Emmy winner and Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame inductee, Scott’s career spans decades of fearless journalism—from New York streets to war zones in Iraq, Cambodia, and the Middle East.

Scott’s interviews with luminaries like Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Yasser Arafat underscore his bridge-building prowess amid conflict. “He’s just a perfect New Yorker,” Adams praised. “Sense of humor, dedicated, committed, a man whose voice has echoed across the five boroughs and across the globe for generations.” This honor symbolizes Adams’ respect for Jewish contributions to NYC’s cultural fabric.

Broader NYC Jewish News: Synagogue Saved, Leadership Continuity

Positive developments abound. Governor Kathy Hochul intervened to halt the demolition of the century-old Kingsbrook Synagogue (Congregation Chaim Albert) in Brooklyn. Founded in 1928 amid hospital antisemitism, the shul faced threats from a 2023 affordable housing plan. After a 2025 lawsuit, Hochul declared, “I’m proud to have led the effort to save the historic Kingsbrook shul… to find a path forward where both sites can prosper.”

Meanwhile, Mamdani renominated Mitchell Katz as NYC Health + Hospitals CEO. Katz, whose partner is Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous, previously boosted vaccine trust in Brooklyn’s Orthodox communities under Mayor de Blasio.

The Future of Crypto in Social Impact

Adams’ vision positions cryptocurrency not as speculative finance, but as a tool for societal good. With antisemitism at record highs—FBI data shows a 60% spike in U.S. anti-Jewish incidents in 2023—innovative solutions are urgent. Blockchain’s decentralization counters centralized censorship, empowering marginalized voices.

Challenges remain: regulatory hurdles, volatility, and crypto’s past scams. Yet, figures like Adams could mainstream ethical Web3 use. Watch for his ventures—perhaps a crypto foundation or NFT marketplace dedicated to tolerance.

Conclusion: A Crypto Crusader Against Hate

Eric Adams’ pledge to heralds an exciting era. By merging blockchain’s transparency and efficiency with urgent social needs, he could inspire a wave of crypto activism. As NYC evolves, will Adams’ next act redefine how we battle bigotry in the digital age? Stay tuned— the blockchain revolution is going social.

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