NEW DELHI: The controversial and far-left newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, has revoked the definition of antisemitism as etched in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance(IHRA). This latest order asserted by Mamdani during his maiden day in office, renders sweeping powers and blanket exemption to espouse protest and criticism against Israel and the Jewish community. He has also repealed the rules that opposed the ‘boycott Israel’ campaign in the city. As per the latest rules, there are no restrictions imposed to anchor antisemitism. The IHRA definition apparently didn’t provide space for certain forms of criticism of Israel and its people.
The sweeping reforms initiated by Zohran Mamdani cancelled all the pro-Israeli and pro-jewish measures undertaken by the previous Mayor of New York city Eric Adams. Upon assuming office, the Mayor of the New York City has to decide whether to retain or repeal the executive orders rendered by the previous Mayor. Accordingly, Zohran Mamdani has made sweeping changes to the city’s administration and governance structure, among which the pivotal aspect is denouncing the IHRA definition of anti-semitism. Thus, certain forms of criticism of Israel being anti-semitic don’t hold as per the latest regulations.
Many analysts assert that adopting the IHRA definition of anti-semitism could have posed a problem to Zohran Mamdani, as the definition advocates that denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination is discriminatory. Under the definition one cannot defame Israel by claiming that “the existence of the state of Israel is a racist endeavour”. Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani has repeatedly refused to recognise the rights of Israel to exist and function as a Jewish state. Under the latest rules anchored by Mamdani, people in New York City can champion, “boycott Israel” campaign as well. Infact, Zohran Mamdani, for a long time now has strongly advocated Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions(BDS) movement targeting Israel.
However, the Office to Combat Antisemitism under the New York Administration which was established by previous Mayor Eric Adam has remained functional and Zohran mamdani has not dismantled it. But, how does the office define anti-semitism as per the latest regulations when the IHRA definition remains revoked is unknown. Based on the new definition of antisemitism that will be given by the Zohran Mamdani office, the nature and influence of the anti-semitism rhetoric(speeches and actions) in the city will be decided.
Zohran Mamdani is infamous for his stark anti-Zionist speeches. He has repeatedly condemned classical expressions of anti-semitism. On the other hand, the Jewish community has always criticised Zohran Mamdani for his anti-Israel stance and discriminatory actions. Reports also claim that all the administrators appointed by Zohran Mamdani are from anti-Zionist groups who have exclaimed on various occasions that Zionists are worse than Nazis. Zohran Mamdani thus has such strong anti-Zionist links and associations.
The Foreign Ministry of Israel condemns Mamdani’s actions
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry of Israel has denounced the actions of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for repealing the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Israel accused the New York Mayor for fueling “antisemitism gasoline on an open fire”. “On his very first day as the New York Mayor Mamdani shows his true face. He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn’t leadership. It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire”, wrote the Foreign Ministry of Israel on the X social media platform.
The latest order accelerated by the New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the anti-semitism rhetoric illustrates his far-right ideologies and actions with the strong aim of instilling ideological inflictions in the city of New York, beyond fulfilling the administrative, governance, political and economic aspirations of the city.
