Eric Adams has mandated that New York City departments adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism following his signature on an executive order at a Manhattan synagogue. Adams connected the policy to recent attacks on Israeli diplomatic personnel and emphasized the disproportionate impact of hate crimes on Jewish New Yorkers.
The definition contains examples that have generated substantial debate among civil rights organizations, particularly those that could classify certain critiques of Israeli policies as antisemitic. Critics worry that these provisions might be misapplied to limit legitimate political discourse, a concern that has been echoed by the definition’s original author who has warned against its potential misuse.
With the Democratic primary election rapidly approaching, Adams’ stance on this issue may prove decisive given the contrasting positions of his opponents. Former Governor Cuomo has established himself as an unwavering ally of Israel, while progressive candidate Mamdani has been highly critical of Israeli actions in Gaza and has called for legal accountability regarding what he describes as genocidal policies.