New York City's newly elected Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has faced backlash from the Israeli government and its allies over his decision to reverse executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams. These orders included adopting a controversial definition of antisemitism and banning city agencies from boycotting Israel.
Mamdani revoked these orders on Thursday, revoking the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and lifting restrictions on boycotting Israel. He cited concerns over free speech and a desire to have an "authentic relationship" with New Yorkers.
However, the Israeli government has accused Mamdani of being anti-Semitic and has described his actions as "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire." The foreign ministry claimed that these actions were not leadership but rather an attack on Israel.
Critics of Mamdani's decision have pointed to the IHRA definition, which they say stifles political speech over Israel. They claim that it was a flawed and overly broad definition that sought to manufacture consent for Israel's treatment of Palestinians by labeling criticism of Israel as inherently antisemitic.
CAIR-NY, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, has praised Mamdani's decision, calling it an "unconstitutional" attack on free speech. The organization has stated that they applaud Mamdani for immediately overturning the IHRA definition and lifting restrictions on boycotting Israel.
On the other hand, Nina Smith, a Democratic political strategist, sees Mamdani's actions as part of his campaign promise to have a direct and authentic relationship with New Yorkers. She believes that Adams' administration was marked by controversy and corruption, which is why Mamdani is doing what he said he would do during the election.
As for Adams himself, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September 2024, he has denied all wrongdoing, claiming that his case was "dismissed" due to political pressure.
Mamdani revoked these orders on Thursday, revoking the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and lifting restrictions on boycotting Israel. He cited concerns over free speech and a desire to have an "authentic relationship" with New Yorkers.
However, the Israeli government has accused Mamdani of being anti-Semitic and has described his actions as "antisemitic gasoline on an open fire." The foreign ministry claimed that these actions were not leadership but rather an attack on Israel.
Critics of Mamdani's decision have pointed to the IHRA definition, which they say stifles political speech over Israel. They claim that it was a flawed and overly broad definition that sought to manufacture consent for Israel's treatment of Palestinians by labeling criticism of Israel as inherently antisemitic.
CAIR-NY, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, has praised Mamdani's decision, calling it an "unconstitutional" attack on free speech. The organization has stated that they applaud Mamdani for immediately overturning the IHRA definition and lifting restrictions on boycotting Israel.
On the other hand, Nina Smith, a Democratic political strategist, sees Mamdani's actions as part of his campaign promise to have a direct and authentic relationship with New Yorkers. She believes that Adams' administration was marked by controversy and corruption, which is why Mamdani is doing what he said he would do during the election.
As for Adams himself, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September 2024, he has denied all wrongdoing, claiming that his case was "dismissed" due to political pressure.
I think this decision by Zohran Mamdani is a bold move and maybe not entirely surprising given what's been going on with the Adams admin. As far as the IHRA definition, I'm not sure it was really about Israel or Palestinians, but more about silencing critics of Israel in general. Like, if you're trying to have an "authentic relationship" with New Yorkers, isn't that just a euphemism for ignoring all the controversy and drama? 
And on the flip side, can we really blame Mamdani for not wanting some executive orders messing up free speech in the city? I mean, it's NYC, after all! 
i mean, boycotting israel can be a complex issue and we shouldnt just sweep it under the rug 
that being said, mamdani's gotta do what he thinks is rite for nyc 
️ & he's got his reasons 4 doing so 
️? Mamdani did the right thing, IMHO. He's standing up for free speech and not letting Israel dictate his decisions. The IHRA definition was always a stretch, if you ask me... it's like they're saying criticism of Israel is antisemitic just because. Give me a break 
. I'm all for an "authentic relationship" between the mayor and the people he serves, but not at the expense of their rights 
. This is why we need more leaders like Mamdani who aren't afraid to take a stand 
Not sure about Nina Smith though, seems like she's just regurgitating his campaign promises without thinking critically... 
he's really standing up for what he believes in and not letting the politics get to him. i think it's awesome that he listened to his constituents and decided to make a change 
the IHRA definition was just too broad and stifling free speech. i'm loving how CAIR-NY is supporting him too 
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. I think it's super important for our leaders to prioritize free speech and not try to silence people who are speaking out against Israel's treatment of Palestinians. The IHRA definition was definitely a flawed attempt to stifle criticism, and I'm glad Mamdani is pushing back against that. As someone who cares deeply about social justice, I think it's awesome that he's taking a stand for what he believes in 
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Mamdani's move is a big deal! 
He's standing up for free speech and not letting politics get in the way 
and it's about time someone called it out. 
. Nina Smith makes a valid point, Adams' admin was super problematic 
so Mamdani is just doing his job 
. I'm curious to see how the Israeli gov will react to this 
!
Mamdani's decision to reverse those orders was a pretty big risk and now Israel's giving him a hard time. He's gotta navigate this super delicate situation where people are already salty about Adams getting indicted. I'm not sure how much of an impact his move will have on the city, but it's definitely going to be a wild ride 
. Let's keep pushing for a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has a seat at the table 
!
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. Anyway, so the new Muslim mayor of NYC is getting roasted by Israel for reversing some exec orders. Like, what's the big deal? He just wants to have a genuine relationship with his constituents, but noooo... The Israeli government is all like "he's being anti-Semitic" 
. Meanwhile, I think it's cool that CAIR-NY is supporting him - they're always speaking truth to power.
. And what's up with all these politicians denying corruption charges? Like, if you're in trouble, own up to it or deny it - don't both 
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. Whatever happened to Adams, I'm glad we're seeing some positive change in our city 
Like, shouldn't we be able to have a nuanced conversation about this stuff without being labeled as bad guys? And what even is IHRA trying to accomplish here? Just seems so one-sided... 
interesting how politics can be so crazy! I mean, one day you got a new mayor making changes and the next day the whole world is talking about it. Israel's all upset because they think this new guy is being anti-Semitic but others are like "hey, he's just trying to represent his city". CAIR-NY is totally on board with him too which is cool 
That's not exactly a ringing endorsement for his admin. 
Mamdani's decision to lift the IHRA definition and restrictions on boycotting Israel feels like a step in the right direction for free speech 
. Like, if he's not gonna push boundaries, who will? 
At least Mamdani is trying to listen to his constituents instead of just following some pre-made script 