On his first day in office, New York City’s newly elected mayor, Mamdani, faced immediate backlash from Israel’s foreign ministry after he rescinded an order from former Mayor Eric Adams that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. Mamdani’s decision to revoke this measure has been interpreted as a significant shift in the city’s approach to combating antisemitism, raising concerns among Jewish communities.
Mamdani issued several executive orders aimed at establishing his administration’s priorities, including the continuation of the recently created office dedicated to combating antisemitism. This decision is an attempt to placate his constituents and deliver the message that countering antisemitism is still a top priority of his administration. He directed the New York City police commissioner to review proposals limiting protest activity around houses of worship. This decision comes as a welcome response to ongoing nationwide tensions over faith-based worship activities.
Promising to govern as New York City’s first democratic socialist since the 1940s, Mamdani’s history of controversial comments about Israel have raised eyebrows. He is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He has previously promised to divest New York’s holdings from Israeli government bonds. This history has launched statewide opposition from farmers, environmentalists, and social justice advocates. More importantly, they are concerned about his approach to Israel and what it means for Jewish New Yorkers.
Israel’s foreign ministry condemned Mamdani’s behavior, accusing him of pouring ”antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” This sentiment was echoed by William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, who called Mamdani’s reversal “a troubling indicator of the direction in which he is leading the city.” Daroff further stated that the decision “diminishes New York City’s ability to recognize and respond to antisemitism at a time when incidents continue to rise.”
Mamdani also repealed all of Adams’ executive orders after he was federally indicted on corruption charges in 2024. Given the recent uptick in antisemitic violence, Adams’s decision to revoke many of those measures is alarming. It is understandable that many constituents are worried about an expected uptick in antisemitic attacks.
“Where else could a Muslim kid like me grow up eating bagels and lox?”
Mamdani’s first day has already established an acrimonious precedent for the nature of Mamdani’s administration. As he navigates these complex issues, the implications of his policies will likely shape the relationship between his office and various communities across New York City.
“Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.”
Mamdani also rescinded all executive orders issued by Adams following his indictment on federal corruption charges in 2024. The revocation of Adams’s measures aimed at curbing antisemitism has raised alarms among some constituents who worry about the potential rise in antisemitic incidents.
Mamdani’s first day has set a contentious tone for his administration. As he navigates these complex issues, the implications of his policies will likely shape the relationship between his office and various communities across New York City.