Story perspectives

Mamdani Revokes Adams' Orders, Faces Backlash Over Antisemitism

1/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams on his first day in office, which restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
This decision faced criticism from the Israeli government and local Jewish organizations, who accused Mamdani of promoting antisemitism.
Mamdani defended his actions, noting that many Jewish groups have concerns about the IHRA definition and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers while advocating for a politics of universality.
His administration aims to combat hate and division despite the backlash from community leaders.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo enacted an executive order to blacklist entities boycotting Israel, reflecting a growing trend of U.S. anti-BDS legislation. By 2021, the Anti-Defamation League reported a 34% rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., intensifying the debate over free speech and antisemitism. Mayor Eric Adams' 2022 orders against boycotts and subsequent revocation by Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlight ongoing tensions in New York City.

1 of 2

Story summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams on his first day in office, which restricted city agencies from boycotting Israel and adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
This decision faced criticism from the Israeli government and local Jewish organizations, who accused Mamdani of promoting antisemitism.
Mamdani defended his actions, noting that many Jewish groups have concerns about the IHRA definition and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers while advocating for a politics of universality.
His administration aims to combat hate and division despite the backlash from community leaders.

1 / 2