Disputed Antisemitism Definition Adopted by NYC Mayor Before Primary

Eric Adams has mandated that New York City departments adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism through an executive order signed at a synagogue ceremony. Adams connected the policy to disproportionate hate crime statistics affecting Jewish residents and emphasized the urgency of addressing what he described as normalized antisemitic propaganda masquerading as activism.
The IHRA definition has drawn significant criticism due to examples that could potentially classify legitimate political criticism of Israeli government actions as antisemitic behavior. Free speech advocates worry that these provisions might be applied too broadly, particularly on college campuses where debates about Middle Eastern politics are common and where academic freedom is considered essential.
As Adams faces a challenging primary election while dealing with corruption investigations, his policy decision appears calculated to maintain Jewish voter support. His main rivals offer contrasting visions: Andrew Cuomo has positioned himself as an unwavering ally of Israel, even joining Netanyahu’s legal defense team, while Zohran Mamdani has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and called Israeli actions in Gaza genocidal.