New York City’s new mayor has revoked a predecessor’s executive order that adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, sparking debate over the line between political rhetoric and hate speech.
Newly inaugurated New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani rescinded a series of executive orders on his first day in office on Thursday, including one that deemed anti-Zionist rhetoric as antisemitic. The move fulfills a campaign pledge but has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish leaders and advocacy groups who fear it may signal a shift in how the city handles hate crimes.
Why It Matters
The executive order in question was signed by Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, and formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition is significant because it includes specific clauses linking anti-Zionism to antisemitism, such as “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination” (e.g., claiming Israel is a racist endeavor) or “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.”
By rescinding this order, Mamdani is effectively decoupling criticisms of Israel from the city’s official definition of hate speech against Jewish people. This action comes amidst a backdrop of tension; Mamdani, a former state assemblyman, has a history of strongly anti-Israel activism, having accused Israel of “genocide” and “apartheid.”
What to Know
According to the mayor’s office, Mamdani rescinded all executive orders signed by Adams since September 26, 2024, the date the previous mayor was indicted. However, the specific targeting of the antisemitism definition was not a surprise. Mamdani pledged in a September interview with Bloomberg News that he would rescind the acceptance of the IHRA definition if elected.
The previous administration had established a “Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism” tasked with identifying efforts to eliminate anti-Jewish hate crimes. Under the now-revoked framework, this office was directed to coordinate with the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and use the IHRA definition to guide its policies.
During his public swearing-in ceremony on the steps of City Hall, Mamdani focused his address on domestic issues, vowing to enact an aggressive agenda aimed at making the nation’s largest city more affordable for working people. However, his staffing choices have drawn scrutiny alongside his policy changes. A December ADL report found that 20% of Mamdani’s administrative appointees have ties to anti-Zionist groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine and Democratic Socialists of America—organizations Mamdani himself has organized for.
What People Are Saying
The reaction to the repeal has been polarized, reflecting the deep divide within the city regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Critics argue the move endangers the Jewish community. Two-thirds of NYC’s Jews did not vote for Mamdani, and a November edition of JPPI’s Voice of the Jewish People Index indicated that 67% of US Jews believe Mamdani’s victory will endanger New York’s Jews.
Prominent figures have voiced strong opposition. Israeli President Isaac Herzog sharply criticized Mamdani in December, calling his rhetoric “outrageous.” Speaking at Yeshiva University, Herzog argued that questioning Jews’ right to participate in traditional Zionist practices “legitimize[s] violence and undermine[s] freedom of religion,” labeling such stances as both anti-Jewish and anti-American.
Conversely, supporters of the repeal argue that the IHRA definition stifles legitimate political speech regarding Israeli policy. Mamdani’s base, which includes progressive activists, views the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism as crucial for maintaining the right to protest state actions without being labeled as hate speech.
What Happens Next
The immediate legal impact is that city agencies will no longer be bound by the IHRA definition when assessing bias incidents or reviewing curricula. The Office to Combat Antisemitism, established by the previous order to coordinate non-law enforcement responses and serve as a liaison to the Jewish community, faces an uncertain future regarding its operational guidelines.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the new administration handles reports of antisemitism that involve anti-Israel rhetoric. Additionally, political tension is likely to escalate; Mamdani has previously promised to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he set foot in New York, a stance that suggests continued friction between City Hall and the State of Israel.
