Eric Adams signed a significant executive order this week requiring New York City departments to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition. Adams linked the policy to recent violent incidents targeting Israeli diplomatic personnel and emphasized the need for decisive action given the disproportionate impact of hate crimes on Jewish New Yorkers.
The IHRA definition contains controversial examples that critics argue could suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli state policies. Particularly contentious are provisions that might classify questioning Israel’s founding principles or applying comparative standards as forms of antisemitism, raising concerns among civil rights advocates about potential limitations on free expression and academic freedom.
With the Democratic primary rapidly approaching, Adams’ adoption of this definition reflects both policy commitment and electoral strategy as he competes against candidates with vastly different Middle East policy positions. Andrew Cuomo has aligned closely with Israeli leadership, even joining Netanyahu’s legal defense team, while Zohran Mamdani has consistently taken progressive stances that include describing the Gaza situation as genocidal.