New York — One of the first official actions undertaken by New York’s newly sworn-in mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has triggered sharp concern from Jewish organizations and antisemitism watchdogs, following a series of rapid policy reversals affecting the city’s approach to antisemitism and Israel-related issues.
On his first day in office, Mayor Mamdani formally rescinded the city’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, reversing an executive order issued by the previous administration. The IHRA definition had been used by city agencies as a non-binding framework to help identify antisemitic incidents, including certain forms of anti-Israel expression when they cross into demonization, double standards, or collective blame of Jews.
At the same time, the mayor revoked an executive order that prohibited city agencies from participating in boycotts or divestment campaigns targeting Israel, effectively lifting New York City’s prior restrictions on involvement in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The policy shifts were accompanied by changes to the official mayoral social-media account. According to archived records cited by Jewish civil-rights groups, posts from the previous administration that condemned antisemitism and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community were removed following the transition. City officials have not provided a detailed explanation for the deletions, which critics say carry symbolic weight beyond routine administrative cleanup.
The IHRA definition is widely used by governments, municipalities, universities, and law-enforcement bodies across North America and Europe. Jewish advocacy organizations argue that abandoning it weakens institutional clarity at a time when antisemitic incidents are at historic highs in the United States.
Reinstating the city’s openness to BDS has also drawn criticism. Opponents argue that the movement disproportionately targets the world’s only Jewish state and has frequently been linked to antisemitic rhetoric, harassment, and intimidation, particularly on university campuses and in public demonstrations.
Supporters of the mayor’s actions have framed the moves as a recalibration of city policy toward what they describe as a broader, “human rights–centered” approach. Mayor Mamdani has publicly stated that his administration remains committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety of Jewish New Yorkers, noting that the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism remains in place and operational.
Critics, however, point to the timing and sequencing of the decisions as deeply troubling.
“The symbolism matters,” said one Jewish community leader familiar with the response to the changes. “When your first acts include dismantling antisemitism safeguards and removing public statements defending Jews, it sends a message, whether intended or not, about whose concerns are being deprioritized.”
City Hall has not announced whether an alternative definition of antisemitism will replace the IHRA framework, nor has it outlined how antisemitic incidents will be evaluated going forward. Requests for clarification on future policy direction have so far gone unanswered.
The developments are being closely watched by Jewish communities across North America, many of which view New York City as a bellwether for how progressive governments address antisemitism amid intensifying anti-Israel activism and rising hate-crime statistics.
