Jewish and Islamic groups in NYC express differing views on Mamdani’s decision
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he scrapped a set of Israel-related executive orders signed by former mayor Eric Adams, just hours after taking office.
In a post on X on Friday, the ministry accused Mamdani of showing his “true face” on his first day in office. It said he had removed the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and lifted restrictions linked to boycotts of Israel. The ministry described the move as “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire,” adding that it reflected poor leadership.
“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. This isn’t leadership. It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire,” wrote Israeli Minister in a post on X.
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor on Thursday and quickly used his executive powers to undo several policies introduced by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Among the revoked orders were those that blocked city institutions from divesting from Israel and those that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.
The IHRA definition is recognised by multiple countries and is commonly used to guide governments and institutions on identifying antisemitism. However, it has also faced criticism from some civil society groups, who argue it can blur the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israeli government policies.
Responding to the backlash, Mamdani defended his decision at a press conference on Friday. He said that several Jewish organisations in New York City had raised concerns about how the broader definition of antisemitism was being applied.
“What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfil that,” the mayor said.
According to a report by Reuters, Mamdani’s move was welcomed by several Islamic organisations. The Council on American-Islamic Relations is among the groups that have argued the IHRA definition has been used to silence voices speaking out for Palestinian rights.
The decision has added to an already heated debate in the US over how antisemitism is defined and how governments balance protections for Jewish communities with freedom of political expression.
