Mamdani rescind executive order on antisemitism working definition, citing concerns over Palestinian rights and free speech
On his first day as New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani revoked the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance antisemitism definition that predecessor Eric Adams had adopted through executive order. The decision immediately sparked debate among Jewish community leaders, civil rights advocates, and international observers concerning how cities should define and combat antisemitism in the modern era. Mamdani rescinded all executive orders issued by Adams after September 26, 2024, the date Adams faced federal indictment, with the IHRA definition among those nullified. The move represented a dramatic reversal of policy and signaled Mamdani’s ideological departure from his predecessor’s approach to antisemitism and Israel-related matters.
Understanding the IHRA Definition
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism serves as a reference tool used by governments, universities, law enforcement agencies, and civil rights organizations worldwide to identify contemporary forms of antisemitism. Adopted by numerous countries and municipalities, the definition distinguishes between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy and antisemitic rhetoric that targets Jews collectively through attacks on Zionism and Israel’s existence. The definition identifies eleven illustrative examples of antisemitism, including denying Jewish self-determination, labeling Israel as racist, comparing Israeli policy to Nazi crimes, accusing Jews of inventing or exaggerating Holocaust history, or alleging divided loyalty among Jewish citizens.
Protection of Political Speech
Supporters of the IHRA definition note it explicitly protects legitimate political debate regarding Israeli government policies while drawing clear boundaries between political disagreement and antisemitic demonization. The definition’s framers designed it to prevent use of pro-Palestinian activism as a cover for antisemitic tropes while allowing criticism of specific Israeli policies without prejudging speakers as antisemitic.
Mamdani’s Long Record on Israel and Palestin
Mamdani’s decision reflects a lengthy ideological commitment to pro-Palestinian activism predating his political office. As an undergraduate at Bowdoin College, Mamdani co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and led an academic and cultural boycott of Israeli institutions during his senior year. He later joined the Democratic Socialists of America specifically because of the organization’s support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. In interviews, Mamdani has described the BDS movement and Palestinian cause as central to his political identity.
Early Legislative Efforts on Israel and Settlements
Once elected to the New York State Assembly, Mamdani introduced the “Not On Our Dime!” Act in 2023, legislation designed to penalize New York-registered charities conducting financial transactions with Israeli “settlement activity.” Mamdani publicly characterized certain Israeli actions as “war crimes,” framing the bill as a mechanism for accountability. The proposal attracted bipartisan criticism from lawmakers concerned that the legislation would effectively target Jewish charities and create legal exposure for organizations supporting Israel.
National Context on Antisemitism Definitions
The IHRA definition has become increasingly contested in American politics. Some civil rights advocates argue it effectively restricts legitimate pro-Palestinian speech by conflating criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism. Others, particularly in the Jewish community, view the definition as essential protection against rising antisemitic rhetoric that uses Israel criticism as a vehicle for Jewish targeting. Universities, school districts, and municipalities have adopted the definition unevenly, with some embracing it and others explicitly rejecting it as overly broad.
Academic and Policy Perspectives
The Anti-Defamation League maintains resources documenting antisemitism and policy analysis on defining antisemitism in contemporary contexts. For alternative perspectives on Israeli-Palestinian issues and antisemitism definitions, the Human Rights Watch offers research on both Israeli conduct and antisemitism concerns. The Amnesty International website provides documentation of human rights concerns relevant to Israeli-Palestinian contexts and antisemitism policy debates.
Impact on New York City Institutions
The revocation affects New York City schools, universities, and city agencies that had begun using the IHRA definition to identify and respond to antisemitic incidents. Without a shared standard, institutions face unclear guidance for distinguishing between protected political speech and antisemitic conduct. Advocates for keeping the definition warn this creates confusion enabling antisemitism to spread unchecked, while critics argue it ensures protection for pro-Palestinian activism and speech.
Broader Pattern of Adams Order Reversals
The IHRA definition revocation was one of multiple Adams orders rescinded by Mamdani. The new mayor also rolled back an executive order barring city officials from discriminating against Israeli entities, further signaling ideological reorientation on Middle East policy. These reversals represent fundamental disagreement between the two administrations on appropriate municipal engagement with Israeli-Palestinian issues. Learn more about antisemitism and policy responses at the Anti-Defamation League website, which documents antisemitic incidents and analyzes antisemitism definitions used by various institutions.
