Israel’s New York Consulate Reopens After Nearby Building’s Structural Collapse Prompts Evacuation]

Israel’s New York Consulate Reopens After Nearby Building’s Structural Collapse Prompts Evacuation]

Israel’s New York Consulate will resume operations on Thursday following safety concerns involving a nearby construction site, according to officials. Police approval has been secured for the reopening.

Consular staff were evacuated from the Second Avenue location on Tuesday after authorities determined a neighboring building posed a collapse risk. Consul-General Ofir Akunis confirmed that all personnel were safely escorted from the premises.

The 37-story building under construction—originally an office tower being converted to residential use—developed critical structural failures. New York City Fire Department inspectors discovered two buckled support columns on the 21st and 22nd floors, with visible sagging across multiple levels.

The instability prompted evacuations of surrounding buildings, including a nearby school, and led to street closures affecting both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. No injuries were reported during the incident.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited the scene Tuesday, warning that the building “remains unstable.” He stated that emergency responders and engineers are assessing whether the structure can be secured while awaiting materials to reinforce it.

“If the floor is deemed secure, engineers will enter and begin shoring up the building,” Mamdani said.

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