In a ceremony held at a Manhattan synagogue, Mayor Eric Adams signed legislation requiring New York City departments to utilize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition in their operations. Adams framed the decision as necessary action against what he termed the normalization of hateful rhetoric since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
The IHRA definition includes interpretive examples that have generated significant controversy, particularly those relating to criticism of Israel. Free speech advocates worry that provisions labeling certain critiques of Israeli policies as antisemitic could have a chilling effect on legitimate political discourse and academic freedom on college campuses throughout the city.
Adams’ executive order comes as he prepares for a challenging primary election where his opponents offer contrasting visions on Middle East policy. While former Governor Cuomo has demonstrated solidarity with Israeli leadership through his legal support for Netanyahu, progressive candidate Mamdani has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and criticized what he views as Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
New York Mayor Signs Antisemitism Order Despite Free Speech Concerns
