Zohran Mamdani, who recently became New York City's first Muslim mayor, has sparked controversy by swiftly annulling all late-term executive orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams, which included measures aimed at safeguarding the Jewish community.
On Thursday, Mamdani rescinded all orders issued by Adams after September 26, 2024, the date when Adams faced federal charges related to bribery and campaign finance violations, explaining that this move was intended to provide a "fresh start for the incoming administration."
According to Newsmax, William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, expressed concern over Mamdani's decision, describing it as a "troubling indicator of the direction in which he is leading the city, just one day at the helm." Adams had previously adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism through executive order No. 52 and had issued several directives to combat antisemitism.
Daroff emphasized the widespread support for the IHRA's definition, noting that it is utilized by numerous major cities, two-thirds of U.S. states, over 30 countries, and "hundreds of universities, sports organizations, and governmental bodies." He stressed the importance of this definition, particularly when antisemitism manifests as the denial of Jewish self-determination or the targeting of Israel.
Initially, Mamdani announced in a press release that he was revoking all of Adams' orders made before September 26, 2024, but later clarified that the revocation applied to orders issued after that date. Despite the revocation, Mamdani assured that he intends to maintain the office dedicated to combating antisemitism, which Adams had established on May 13 through an executive order.
In a subsequent executive order outlining his administration's operations, Mamdani included the antisemitism office and mentioned plans to appoint a new executive director.
As reported by The Jerusalem Post, Adams and the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism had recently released their annual report on antisemitism. In the report, Adams highlighted the executive orders he had enacted to protect the Jewish community, including the adoption of the IHRA's working definition of antisemitism.
He had also signed Executive Order 60, which prohibited city entities and personnel from boycotting or divesting from Israel, and Executive Order 61, which directed the New York City Police Department to consider creating zones around houses of worship to prevent protests.
The status of the New York CityIsrael Economic Council, which may have been established through an executive order, remains uncertain, as noted by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). Mark Goldfeder, director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, expressed his dismay, stating, "It is hard to overstate how disturbing it is that one of the first acts of the new New York City mayor was to delete official tweets and executive orders addressing the protection of Jewish New Yorkers."
Eric Adams himself has voiced criticism, asserting that Mamdani "promised a new era and unity today," but lamented, "This isn't new. And it isn't unity." The unfolding situation raises questions about the future of New York City's policies on antisemitism and the broader implications of Mamdani's actions for the city's diverse communities.
As the new administration takes shape, the balance between a fresh start and the preservation of essential protections remains a point of contention.
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