Adams Signs Controversial Anti-Hate Order Amid Political Turmoil

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition for municipal use through an executive order. The signing at a Manhattan synagogue highlighted Adams’ effort to demonstrate decisive leadership on combating anti-Jewish hatred while facing intense scrutiny over his administration’s handling of various municipal crises.
The definition includes controversial examples that critics argue blur the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israeli state policies. These provisions specifically identify questioning Israel’s right to exist and applying different standards to Israel as potentially antisemitic, raising concerns about the potential suppression of free expression in academic and political discourse.
Adams’ policy announcement comes as he prepares for a competitive primary election where Middle East policy has become a defining issue. While Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated firm support for Israeli leadership, Zohran Mamdani has taken progressive stances that include describing Israeli actions as genocidal and promising to arrest Netanyahu if he visits New York City.