New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has faced significant backlash for reversing pro-Israel executive orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams. Two notable actions have drawn ire: one was the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, and the other sought to block any city contracts that discriminated against Israel or its citizens.
The Israel Foreign Ministry did not hold back in its criticism. In a scathing post on X, the ministry declared, “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. This isn’t leadership. It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.” The phrase “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire” underscores the seriousness of the ministry’s outrage.
Under the IHRA definition, denying the Jewish people the right to self-determination is classified as discriminatory. Mamdani’s history of not recognizing Israel as a Jewish state intensifies the scrutiny surrounding his decision. The Times of Israel pointed out that the definition specifically identifies claims that Israel’s existence is a racist endeavor as anti-Semitic, putting Mamdani’s earlier statements into context.
Mamdani’s actions also included deleting tweets from the official mayoral account that addressed the importance of fighting anti-Semitism. This has raised alarms among various advocacy groups. The National Jewish Advocacy Center expressed its concern directly to Mamdani, stating, “It is difficult to overstate how disturbing it is…that one of your very first acts as Mayor was to delete official tweets addressing the protection of Jewish New Yorkers.” Their letter expressed how erasing these statements sends a troubling message to Jewish constituents at a time of rising anti-Semitism.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov also voiced concern over Mamdani’s decisions. In a post on X, she highlighted the implications of undoing the executive order that defined anti-Semitism and asserted that it provided vital protection for those who believe in the Jewish right to self-determination.
In response to the uproar, Mamdani has maintained that his criticisms of Israel align with his commitment to human rights. He asserted that the revoked orders conflicted with the needs of working-class individuals. “I’m just trying to align the priorities of the city with the interests of the working class,” he stated.
As Mamdani navigates these contentious waters, his actions and statements will continue to spark debate in a city that’s a mosaic of diverse opinions and beliefs. The stark reactions from Israel and local advocacy groups signal that his leadership decisions will be closely monitored as he sets the tone for his tenure as mayor.
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