In a move that has ignited immediate controversy and drawn fierce international criticism, newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used his first day in office to roll back several policies seen as supportive of Israel. The actions prompted a strongly worded condemnation from the Israeli government, accusing the mayor of fanning the flames of antisemitism.
First-Day Executive Orders Reverse Predecessor's Stance
Mayor Mamdani, a Democrat, issued his first executive order on Friday, which effectively revoked all executive orders signed by his predecessor, Eric Adams, on or after September 26, 2024. This date is significant as it marks the day former Mayor Adams was indicted on federal corruption charges. The Mamdani administration framed this sweeping revocation as necessary to ensure "a fresh start for the incoming administration." Officials clarified that the mayor would reissue specific orders he continues to support at a later date.
Among the reversed policies were two particularly contentious orders related to Israel and antisemitism. Mamdani revoked Executive Order 61, issued just last month, which had directed the New York Police Department (NYPD) to enhance enforcement for the protection of synagogues and other religious institutions from protester harassment. This order had included provisions for buffer zones limiting demonstrations near places of worship.
Scrapping IHRA Definition Draws Sharpest Rebuke
Perhaps the most consequential reversal was the repeal of an order that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The Adams administration had explicitly stated that this definition included "demonising Israel and holding it to double standards as forms of contemporary antisemitism." Many Jewish leaders and organizations globally regard the IHRA definition as a crucial benchmark for identifying and combating antisemitism.
Furthermore, Mamdani's order nullified a previous directive that barred New York City officials from participating in or promoting boycotts or divestment campaigns targeting Israel.
Israel's Foreign Ministry Condemns "Antisemitic Gasoline"
The reaction from Israel was swift and severe. The Israeli Foreign Ministry took to the social media platform X to issue a blistering statement. "On his very first day as @NYCMayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel," the statement read. It concluded with a powerful condemnation: "This isn't leadership. It's antisemitic gasoline on an open fire."
The ministry's statement accused the new mayor of inflaming tensions and deliberately undermining a key tool in the fight against hatred towards Jews.
Local Political Backlash and Support
The mayor's decisions also sparked immediate criticism from local Republican figures. Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov voiced strong opposition on social media. Criticising the repeal of the IHRA order, she wrote, "Mamdani @NYCMayor just UNDID previous executive order which adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism." She argued that the definition protects Jewish people who believe in self-determination and provides essential clarity.
In another post, Vernikov warned of escalating tensions, stating, "We need to enforce federal law that's already in place here because the pro-Hamas antisemites emboldened by @NYCMayor are coming!"
The moves by Mayor Mamdani, representing some of his first official acts, have firmly placed the complex and often polarising issues of Middle East politics, free speech, and the definition of antisemitism at the forefront of New York City's political agenda, setting the stage for continued debate and conflict.
