New York City Mayor Eric Adams has mandated that city agencies adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism through an executive order signed at a Manhattan synagogue. The policy announcement underscored Adams’ effort to demonstrate decisive leadership on combating anti-Jewish hatred while facing intense political pressure from various municipal challenges and corruption investigations.
The definition includes examples that have become subjects of intense debate, particularly those that could classify certain critiques of Israeli state policies as antisemitic. Civil liberties organizations have expressed concern that these provisions might be applied too broadly, potentially suppressing legitimate academic and political discourse about Middle Eastern affairs in educational and public settings.
Adams faces significant challenges as he campaigns while dealing with federal corruption allegations and strong primary opposition from candidates with dramatically different approaches to Middle East policy. While Andrew Cuomo has positioned himself as a steadfast supporter of Israel, Zohran Mamdani has taken progressive positions that include describing Israeli actions as genocidal and promising to arrest Netanyahu if he visits the city.