The Israeli government has accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism after he canceled two executive orders linked to Israel.
The orders, issued by former mayor Eric Adams, barred city agencies from boycotting Israel and adopted a definition of antisemitism that included some criticism of Israel. Mayor Mamdani revoked the orders on his first day in office.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the move on social media, saying the mayor removed protections against antisemitism and lifted restrictions on boycotts of Israel. Israel’s consul general in New York warned the decision could threaten the safety of Jewish communities in the city.
Mayor Mamdani did not directly respond to the accusations. He said his administration would focus on protecting Jewish New Yorkers and fighting antisemitism through funding hate crime prevention and promoting unity.
New York City has the largest Jewish population outside Israel. The issue has drawn strong reactions from Jewish organizations. Groups including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee opposed the cancellation, saying it removed important safeguards.
Other Jewish and civil rights groups supported the move. They argued the revoked orders limited free speech and wrongly linked criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Mayor Mamdani has long criticized Israel’s policies toward Palestinians and supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. During his campaign, he promised to protect Jewish communities and continue funding city offices that address antisemitism and hate crimes.
The debate highlights deep divisions over how cities should address antisemitism while allowing criticism of foreign governments.
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