Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order this week requiring New York City agencies to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. The ceremony at a synagogue highlighted Adams’ effort to address rising antisemitic incidents while positioning himself as a strong defender of Jewish communities ahead of the upcoming primary election.
The IHRA definition contains examples that have become flashpoints in debates over the boundaries between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. These provisions include identifying as potentially antisemitic any claims that Israel’s existence represents a racist endeavor or any application of standards to Israel that differ from those applied to other democratic nations, raising concerns about potential overreach.
Adams faces a challenging electoral landscape where his opponents offer dramatically different approaches to Middle East policy. Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated unwavering support for Israeli leadership, even providing legal assistance to Netanyahu facing international criminal charges, while Zohran Mamdani has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and described Israeli actions in Gaza as genocidal.