New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Revokes Adams’ Pro-Israel Executive Orders on Day One, Sparking Antisemitism Debate
New York City – In a bold first-day move, incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked two key executive orders signed by his predecessor Eric Adams, signaling a sharp shift in the city’s stance on Israel and definitions of antisemitism.
The revocations, announced Thursday, target policies aimed at bolstering support for Israel amid rising tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict. One order, signed by Adams last month, prohibited city agencies from participating in boycotts or divestment campaigns against Israel. The other, enacted in June, adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes examples linking certain criticisms of Israel to antisemitic behavior.[1]
Revoked Orders and Their Implications
Mamdani’s decision eliminates restrictions on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movements targeting Israel, a policy that had been central to Adams’ efforts to counter what he described as discriminatory practices against the Jewish state. The IHRA definition, proposed in 2016, lists 11 illustrative examples of antisemitism, with seven relating to Israel, such as denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination or applying double standards to the country.[1]
While Mamdani scrapped these measures, he preserved Adams’ May creation of a dedicated city office to combat antisemitism, indicating a continued commitment to addressing hate crimes without the controversial framework.[1]
“One of the revoked orders protects from discrimination Jews who believe in self determination,” posted Brooklyn Republican Council Member Inna Vernikov on social media shortly after the announcement.[1]
Backlash from Critics
The moves drew immediate fire from Adams supporters and conservative Jewish leaders who had vocally opposed Mamdani’s mayoral bid. Vernikov escalated her criticism, warning that “the pro-Hamas antisemites emboldened by” the new mayor “are coming!” Her comments reflect broader anxieties among pro-Israel advocates fearful that rolling back these protections could exacerbate antisemitic incidents, which have surged in recent years.[1]
Adams himself, who faced his own controversies during his tenure, had positioned these orders as essential safeguards. The former mayor’s allies argue that without them, city resources could indirectly support movements they view as hostile to Jewish safety.
Debate Over IHRA Definition Intensifies
The IHRA framework has long been polarizing. Proponents, including many governments and Jewish organizations, praise it for providing clarity in identifying antisemitism, especially as anti-Israel rhetoric has sometimes veered into outright Jew-hatred post-October 7, 2023.[1]
Critics, particularly progressive Jewish groups, contend it stifles legitimate political speech. Phylisa Wisdom, executive director of the progressive New York Jewish Agenda, stated, “There is not consensus necessarily around whether the IHRA definition of antisemitism should be codified in this way. Not everyone thinks you need to codify IHRA to keep the Jewish people safe, in the same way we don’t necessarily have codified definitions of other forms of hate.”[1]
This divide mirrors national conversations, with states and universities adopting or rejecting IHRA amid campus protests and free speech battles.
Mamdani’s Vision for the City
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and vocal critic of Israeli policies, campaigned on progressive priorities including housing affordability and police reform. His Day One actions align with campaign promises to reevaluate policies seen as overly aligned with foreign governments.
Supporters hail the revocations as a step toward equity, arguing they prevent the city from endorsing one side in a complex geopolitical conflict. “New York should focus on local issues, not international disputes,” said one anonymous city council source.
Yet, the timing—mere hours into his term—underscores the depth of policy rifts in a city with one of the world’s largest Jewish populations, exceeding 1.1 million residents.
Broader Context of NYC Leadership Transition
Eric Adams’ tenure ended amid federal corruption probes, though he was cleared of major charges. His pro-Israel stance was a hallmark, especially after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and sparked the ongoing Gaza war.
Mamdani’s election victory in November 2025 marked a leftward shift, buoyed by young voters and progressive donors. His inauguration speech emphasized unity, but these revocations suggest confrontational governance from the outset.
| Policy | Adams Era | Mamdani Action |
|---|---|---|
| BDS Ban | Prohibited city boycotts/divestment from Israel | Revoked |
| IHRA Antisemitism Definition | Adopted expansive definition | Revoked |
| Antisemitism Office | Created in May | Retained |
What’s Next for NYC?
As Mamdani settles in, eyes are on City Hall for further signals. Will these changes lead to increased protests or legal challenges? Jewish community leaders plan town halls, while progressive groups celebrate.
The revocations highlight America’s deepening polarization over Israel, now playing out in the halls of New York power. With antisemitic incidents up 300% in some reports since 2023, the stakes remain high.
This story will be updated as reactions develop.