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New york City Mayor Cancels Orders on Israel Boycotts,Antisemitism Definitions
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New York City Mayor Cancels Orders on Israel Boycotts, antisemitism Definitions
Dateline: New York City – May 9, 2024
- Mayor Mamdani canceled two executive orders issued in 2022.
- The orders had barred city agencies from contracting with companies boycotting Israel.
- One order also adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism.
- Critics contended the definition could stifle legitimate criticism of Israeli policies.
The core of the matter? New York City now allows its agencies to make autonomous decisions regarding contracts, even if those companies participate in boycotts related to Israel. This change directly addresses concerns raised by advocates who believe such restrictions infringe upon First Amendment rights.
What is a boycott? A boycott is a refusal to buy or use goods or services as a form of protest, often politically motivated.
The canceled executive orders, originally issued in 2022, had aimed to counter the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel over its policies toward Palestinians. The previous administration framed the orders as a defense against
