New York City’s newly sworn-in mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has triggered immediate international controversy by rescinding a series of executive orders seen as strongly pro-Israel, marking an unprecedented shift in city policy on his very first day in office.
Within hours of assuming office, Mamdani annulled several directives issued by his predecessor, former mayor Eric Adams. Among the most consequential moves was the revocation of New York City’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, as well as the lifting of restrictions on city officials’ support for boycotts of Israel.
The decisions drew a swift and scathing response from Israel. In a post on social media platform X, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Mamdani of “pouring fuel on the fire of antisemitism,” saying the new mayor had revealed his “true face” on his first day in office. “This is not leadership,” the ministry wrote, “but an act that legitimizes antisemitic hostility.”
Media reports note that former mayor Eric Adams had issued several controversial executive orders in 2024, following his indictment on corruption charges. Mamdani moved quickly to overturn many of them upon taking office. One of the most debated orders had formally adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which critics argue conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism by treating portrayals of Israel as an “evil force” or certain forms of political critique as modern antisemitism.
Mamdani’s reversals also include scrapping an order that barred city officials from supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, as well as rescinding guidelines that restricted protests near houses of worship.
Israel’s reaction came within hours of the announcements.
Mamdani’s office, however, defended the moves as part of a “clean break” and a “new beginning” for the city’s governance. A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani has long been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights. In his inaugural address, he sought to reassure New York’s Jewish community, remarking, “Where else but New York could someone like me—a Muslim—grow up eating bagels and lox?”
Despite overturning Adams’ executive orders, Mamdani emphasized that his administration remains committed to combating antisemitism. He confirmed that the city’s Office to Combat Antisemitism will remain fully operational. “Antisemitism is a serious problem, and we take it extremely seriously,” he said.
Zohran Mamdani made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the first of South Asian descent. He is the son of internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned political scientist Mahmood Mamdani. During his swearing-in ceremony, he took the oath of office with his hand on the Holy Quran, administered by veteran Jewish leader and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.
Sources: The New York Times, Politico, Times of Israel.