New York City Mayor Eric Adams has mandated that city agencies adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism through an executive order signed at a synagogue ceremony. Adams emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism given recent violent incidents targeting Israeli diplomatic staff and rising concerns about anti-Jewish sentiment in urban communities.
The IHRA definition contains examples that have become flashpoints in debates over the appropriate boundaries of antisemitism identification. Critics argue that provisions identifying questioning Israel’s founding principles or applying comparative standards as antisemitic could be misused to suppress legitimate academic and political discourse about Middle Eastern affairs.
With the Democratic primary approaching, Adams’ policy decision reflects his effort to maintain Jewish voter support while competing against candidates with dramatically different perspectives on Israel-Palestine issues. Former Governor Cuomo has demonstrated unwavering support for Israeli leadership, while progressive candidate Mamdani has been highly critical of Israeli actions and has promised to pursue accountability for what he describes as genocidal policies in Gaza.
Adams Implements Contentious Antisemitism Order Before Election
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