Israel criticizes Zohran Mamdani for revoking antisemitism framework on his first day as NY mayor
On his very first day as @NYCMayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel.
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) January 2, 2026
This isn’t leadership. It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Israel’s Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp public rebuke of Mayor Zohran Mamdani on his first day in office, accusing New York City’s new leader of undermining efforts to combat antisemitism through a series of executive actions.
The criticism followed Mamdani’s decision to revoke multiple executive orders signed by former Mayor Eric Adams, including measures adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and restricting city pension funds from supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Israel condemns policy reversals in swift response
Israel’s Foreign Ministry reacted within hours, issuing a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the policy reversals.
The statement argued that rescinding the IHRA framework weakened efforts to address antisemitism by removing commonly used standards for identifying anti-Jewish hatred, including conduct related to Israel.
Scrapping the Adams era rules
Mamdani’s office defended the decision as an administrative reset rather than a political statement.
A spokesperson said that the mayor had ordered a review and repeal of all executive orders issued by Eric Adams following his federal corruption indictment in 2024.
"The decision was to ensure a clean slate for the new administration," the spokesperson said.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani issues executive order revoking all executive orders Eric Adams signed after September 26, 2024, which was the date of his indictment. pic.twitter.com/un6K59MI4Y
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) January 1, 2026
Among the rescinded orders was one formally adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism for city agencies.
Another directed the NYPD to examine tighter protest regulations near houses of worship, following a series of demonstrations outside synagogues during the Gaza conflict.
The BDS controversy
One of the most contentious reversals involved city pension policy. Adams’s now-rescinded order had prohibited pension fund managers from aligning investments with the BDS movement.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, had previously expressed support for BDS and called for divesting city funds from Israeli government bonds.
Supporters of the repeal argue that the order improperly constrained investment decisions, while critics contend that it removed a safeguard against the politicisation of public funds.
Zohran Mamdani's inaugural speech celebrates NY's diversity
During his inauguration, Mamdani attempted to address concerns directly. He was sworn in on the Qur’an by Sen Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), a Jewish progressive ally.
Speaking to attendees, Mamdani sought to emphasize New York City’s pluralism. "Where else could a Muslim kid like me grow up eating bagels and lox?" he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
"If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor," Mamdani added, pledging to protect all communities and confirming that the city’s office dedicated to combating antisemitism would remain operational.
Jewish leaders sound the alarm
Despite those assurances, major Jewish organizations expressed concern. William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, described the repeal of the IHRA definition as a troubling signal.
Speaking to The Forward, Daroff said the move "diminishes New York City’s ability to recognize and respond to antisemitism at a time when antisemitic incidents are rising nationwide."
