New York City’s new mayor axed his predecessor’s antisemitism safeguards on day one, igniting fears that protecting Jews just got harder in the world’s largest Jewish city.
Story Snapshot
- Zohran Mamdani revoked Eric Adams’ executive orders adopting the IHRA antisemitism definition and barring Israel divestment on January 2, 2026.
- Mamdani kept the Office to Combat Antisemitism but ditched the controversial IHRA framework, citing concerns from some Jewish groups.
- Actions signal a sharp leftward policy shift prioritizing Palestinian advocacy over strict antisemitism definitions.
- Revocations followed protests targeting synagogues amid Israel-Palestine tensions in NYC.
- Mamdani reaffirmed his stance on January 3, vowing relentless anti-hate efforts without IHRA.
Mamdani’s Day-One Revocations
Zohran Mamdani took office and immediately targeted two executive orders from Eric Adams. On Thursday, January 2, 2026, Mamdani revoked the June 2025 order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. He also scrapped the order blocking city divestment from Israel. These moves reversed Adams’ hardline stance against antisemitism linked to Israel criticism.
Adams had signed the IHRA order in June 2025 after protests hit synagogues involved in West Bank land sales. The definition labels some Israel criticisms as antisemitic, sparking debate. Palestinian advocates called it a tool to silence dissent. Mamdani’s swift action prioritized their view, raising questions about future hate classifications.
Mamdani preserved Adams’ May 2025 Office to Combat Antisemitism. This selective retention shows nuance. He argues leading Jewish organizations express “immense concerns” over IHRA. Facts support some Jewish unease, but common sense demands clear definitions to shield real antisemitism—not just policy disagreements.
Roots of the IHRA Controversy
The IHRA definition standardizes antisemitism globally but includes examples tying Israel critiques to hate. Adams adopted it amid NYC tensions between Jewish communities and pro-Palestinian protesters. Synagogue demonstrations prompted his June 2025 order barring protests near worship sites. Mamdani revoked related restrictions, leaving protest rules murky.
NYC’s diverse populations fuel clashes. Jewish groups seek protection; Palestinian advocates demand free speech for Israel boycotts. Adams escalated with broad measures post-incidents. Mamdani’s reversal aligns with civil society rejecting IHRA as overreach. Conservative values prioritize law and order—protecting houses of worship aligns with that, unlike vague new approaches.
First Item on Mamdani's 'To Do' List? Repeal the Antisemitism Executive Order of His Predecessorhttps://t.co/KI7ISixZRe
— PJ Media Updates (@PJMediaUpdates) January 3, 2026
Mamdani confirmed revocations Friday, January 3. He pledged relentless hate combat but without IHRA. Deleting Adams’ tweets signals broader purge. This sets precedent: prioritizing one side’s narrative over proven safeguards risks emboldening actual antisemites under “free speech” guise.
Impacts on NYC Communities
Jewish organizations face mixed outcomes. The antisemitism office stays, but without IHRA, classifying incidents weakens. Palestinian groups celebrate freer advocacy. Law enforcement adapts to undefined standards, potentially complicating responses. Short-term, tensions rise as communities await Mamdani’s alternative framework.
Long-term, NYC influences national policy. Other cities watch this shift toward accommodating anti-Israel protests. Mamdani’s mandate empowers change, but facts show IHRA’s value in clear hate identification. Aligning with common sense, robust definitions better serve all—especially vulnerable minorities—than selective revocations.
Stakeholders react predictably. Pro-Palestinian voices hail victory; Jewish leaders worry over diluted protections. Mamdani’s middle ground—keep office, drop definition—tests resolve. History warns against weakening antisemitism tools amid rising threats. NYC’s Jews deserve ironclad defenses, not political experiments.
Sources:
Mayor Zohran Mamdani revokes Eric Adams’ executive orders on Israel
