Mamdani Reverses Key NYC Policies in First Days in Office
WASHINGTON / NEW YORK – In one of his first major actions as mayor, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has rescinded all executive orders signed by his predecessor, Eric Adams, following Adams’ federal corruption indictment in September 2024. The decision includes the reversal of two controversial orders related to Israel and antisemitism.
Mamdani took office on January 1 and acted swiftly, signaling a clear policy shift at City Hall. His move applies broadly to every executive order Adams signed after his indictment, reflecting Mamdani’s pledge to review and undo what he described as politically motivated decisions.
Israel-Related Executive Orders Revoked
Among the rescinded directives was an executive order that barred New York City agencies from boycotting or divesting from Israel. That policy had restricted city departments from refusing Israeli bonds or other assets and from discriminating against Israel, its citizens, or affiliated companies.
Another revoked order adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a definition that includes certain forms of opposition to the existence of the state of Israel.
Both orders were signed by Adams during his final weeks in office and were widely seen as a response to growing activism around the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
What Is the BDS Movement?
The BDS movement, launched in 2005 and led by Palestinian activists, seeks to apply economic and political pressure on Israel over alleged violations of international law and human rights abuses against Palestinians. The movement calls on:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Municipal governments
- Pension funds
- Universities and religious organizations
To withdraw investments from Israel, according to the BDS movement’s official platform.
Office to Combat Antisemitism Remains
Despite reversing the executive orders, Mamdani kept intact the Office to Combat Antisemitism, which Adams established in May. The decision suggests Mamdani aims to separate opposition to Israeli government policies from efforts to address antisemitism in New York City.
Political Reaction and Criticism
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, made history this week as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, the nation’s most populous city. He has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has previously expressed support for the BDS movement.
His actions have drawn criticism from conservative leaders and Israeli officials, who have raised concerns about his past remarks criticizing Israel and the potential implications of rescinding the executive orders.
Mamdani has stated that his administration will focus on human rights, transparency, and restoring public trust following the controversy surrounding his predecessor.
The rollback of these executive orders marks a significant shift in New York City’s approach to Israel-related policy and antisemitism definitions. As Mamdani’s administration moves forward, the decisions are likely to remain a focal point of political debate at both the national and international levels.
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