Mamdani Revokes adams’ Executive Orders on Antisemitism, Israel Boycotts in first Act as NYC Mayor
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani swiftly moved to reshape the cityS policies on Thursday, revoking a series of executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric adams, after Adams was federally indicted. The new mayor signed the orders Thursday afternoon, effectively nullifying Adams’ actions taken after the date of his indictment. According to reports, Mamdani stated that date “marked a moment when many New Yorkers decided politics held nothing for them.”
Adams has maintained his innocence, and the charges initially brought by the Trump administration were later dismissed by a judge. Despite this, the timing of Adams’ executive orders in the waning days of his term drew criticism, with some viewing them as an attempt to preempt Mamdani’s agenda.
Beyond the contentious Israel-related orders, Mamdani also prioritized housing during his first day in office, signing directives to expedite housing development and assess city-owned land for potential construction. These actions align with key promises made during his campaign.
The revoked orders included one that broadened the definition of antisemitism to align with the International Holocaust remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition – a definition that some critics argue can encompass legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies. Another rescinded order prohibited city agencies and employees from engaging in boycotts or divestment related to Israel.
Mamdani defended his decisions during a press conference Friday, stating that some Jewish organizations within the city shared his concerns regarding the IHRA definition. He emphasized that incoming mayors have the prerogative to uphold, revoke, or amend previous orders. “What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers in a manner that is able to actually fulfill that,” he said.
Though, the move sparked immediate backlash from some Jewish leaders and international entities. Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused mamdani of fueling antisemitism via a social media post. The UJA Federation of New York and the New York Board of rabbis jointly released a statement expressing concern that the orders reversed “notable protections against antisemitism.”
The statement continued, “While we welcome Mayor Mamdani’s Executive Order seeking to better protect houses of worship, and his continuation of Mayor’s Office of Combating Antisemitism, our community will be looking for clear and sustained leadership that demonstrates a serious commitment to confronting antisemitism.”
Support for Mamdani’s actions came from the New York Civil Liberties Union. Executive Director Donna Lieberman stated that Adams’ previous orders had “adopted a flawed and far too broad definition of antisemitism, and that prohibited city agencies from boycotting Israel.” lieberman also voiced support for mamdani’s reversal of an Adams-era order allowing federal immigration authorities access to the Rikers Island jail complex, arguing it violated the city’s sanctuary laws.
The mayor’s broad executive powers allow for significant policy shifts, ranging from symbolic gestures to sweeping changes in municipal operations and enforcement.
Mamdani has affirmed his belief in Israel’s right to exist while simultaneously advocating for equal rights for all citizens within Israel, rejecting preferential treatment based on religion. He is also a known supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, sanctions (BDS) movement, a controversial campaign aimed at pressuring Israel through nonviolent means. While proponents view BDS as a legitimate form of protest, critics contend it is inherently antisemitic.
Notably, Mamdani did not entirely dismantle Adams’ efforts to combat antisemitism. The Office to Combat Antisemitism, established under Adams in May of the previous year, will remain operational, though its structure is undergoing reorganization – a standard practice for new administrations.
the early actions of Mayor Mamdani signal a clear departure from his predecessor’s policies and set the stage for a perhaps contentious period in New York City politics, particularly regarding issues of social justice, international relations, and the delicate balance between free speech and the fight against hate.
