New York mayor Zohran Mamdani revokes anti-BDS order and IHRA antisemitism definition
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New York: In his first major acts after being sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani on Thursday revoked executive orders banning the boycott of Israel and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
The decision marks a sharp departure from the policies of his predecessor, Eric Adams, and fulfils key promises central to Mamdani’s election campaign.
Mamdani abolished the city’s anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) executive order, which had previously prohibited city agencies from boycotting or divesting from Israel.
Additionally, he revoked the executive order signed by former Mayor Adams in June 2025 that mandated the use of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism as a guideline for city agencies. The revocation effectively removes this specific framework as the city’s primary tool for identifying and addressing anti-Jewish hate incidents.
The mayor also rescinded an order instructing the New York Police Department (NYPD) to reassess its handling of protests at houses of worship, a measure Adams had implemented following a vitriolic demonstration outside a synagogue. However, a subsequent executive order from Mamdani reportedly includes similar instructions regarding police conduct.
Mamdani, a Democrat, assumed office on Thursday, taking over one of the most high-profile positions in American politics.
In a symbolic ceremony just after midnight, he was sworn in at a decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall, placing his hand on a Quran to take his oath. After working through the night in his new office, Mamdani arrived at City Hall in a taxi cab around midday for a public inauguration.
US Senator Bernie Sanders, described as one of the mayor’s political heroes, administered the ceremonial oath for the second time during the public event.