Eric Adams has officially implemented the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism across New York City government through an executive order. The signing ceremony at a Manhattan synagogue served as both a policy announcement and a demonstration of Adams’ commitment to combating what he described as a spreading “vile disease” of antisemitism.
The definition has drawn significant criticism due to examples that could potentially classify legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies as antisemitic behavior. Free speech advocates worry that these provisions might be applied too broadly, particularly in educational settings where Middle East issues are frequently discussed and debated among students and faculty.
Adams’ adoption of this definition comes as he faces a competitive primary election where his opponents hold starkly different views on Middle East policy. While Andrew Cuomo has positioned himself as a steadfast supporter of Israel, even joining Netanyahu’s legal defense team, Zohran Mamdani has taken progressive stances that include describing Israeli actions in Gaza as genocidal and calling for legal accountability.