First steps, NY mayor Mamdani revokes pro-Israel IHRA definition
Hours after being sworn in as mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani reversed nine executive orders by his predecessor, Eric Adams, including the controversial International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of "antisemitism" that includes any criticism of Israel.
During his campaign, Mamdani, running as a Democratic Socialist, had been an outspoken critic of Israel, something he didn't back away from, but at times felt the need to clarify, emphasising his concern for antisemitism and the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.
Speaking at his New Year's Day inauguration, he said, "I will not abandon principles for fear of deemed radical. We will govern expansively and audaciously. To those who insist the era of big government is over, no longer will City Hall hesitate to use power to improve New Yorkers' lives."
In June, former New York Mayor Eric Adams issued an executive order for the city to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and also passed an anti-BDS law on his last day in office.
"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities," reads the definition, which was adopted in 2026, on the group's website.
The website goes on to give 11 examples of antisemitism, seven of which directly relate to Israel. One of these examples is "Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour."
Multiple European countries, US states, and educational institutions have adopted the IHRA definition. Several critics of the measure, including pro-Palestinian activists and free speech advocates, stress that the use of this definition stifles any legitimate criticism of Israel.
This week's decision is one of the few, but growing, examples of the IHRA definition of antisemitism being reversed.