Israel has sharply criticized newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting antisemitism following a series of executive actions taken on his first days in office.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning Mamdani’s decision to revoke several pro-Israel and antisemitism-related policies enacted by the previous administration. An Israeli spokesperson described the move as “antisemitic gasoline on an open fire,” warning that it could embolden hostility toward Jewish communities in New York City.
At the center of the controversy is Mamdani’s rollback of New York City’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a framework widely used by governments and institutions to identify contemporary antisemitic rhetoric and actions. Israeli officials argue that removing the definition weakens protections against antisemitism at a time when attacks against Jews are rising globally.
The new mayor also repealed executive orders that restricted city agencies from participating in boycotts or divestment efforts targeting Israel. Israeli diplomats say these actions signal political hostility toward the Jewish state and risk legitimizing movements they view as discriminatory.
Jewish organizations in New York reacted with mixed responses. Several mainstream Jewish groups condemned the reversals, saying they undermine efforts to combat antisemitism and could negatively affect Jewish safety in the city. Others, including civil liberties advocates, have supported Mamdani’s position, arguing that the IHRA definition has been used to suppress criticism of Israeli government policies.
Mayor Mamdani has rejected accusations of antisemitism, stating that his administration remains fully committed to protecting Jewish New Yorkers and combating all forms of hate. He said the policy changes were intended to protect free speech and ensure that city government does not favor any foreign government in its official policies.
The dispute has quickly escalated beyond New York, drawing attention from U.S. lawmakers and international observers. Analysts say the clash highlights growing tensions within American politics over Israel, antisemitism, and the boundaries between criticism of Israeli policy and hate speech.
As Mamdani begins his term, the controversy is expected to remain a defining issue for his administration, particularly as New York City is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world.
