Eric Adams signed a significant executive order this week requiring New York City agencies to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition. Adams emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism given recent attacks on Israeli diplomatic personnel and the need for bold action to protect Jewish communities from rising hate crimes.
The IHRA definition contains controversial examples that free speech advocates argue could criminalize legitimate political criticism of Israeli policies. These provisions include identifying as potentially antisemitic any claims about Israel representing a racist endeavor or any differential treatment compared to other democratic nations, raising concerns about limitations on free expression and academic discourse.
As Adams prepares for a competitive primary while facing federal corruption investigations, his policy decision reflects both governance priorities and electoral strategy. His main rivals present opposing approaches: Andrew Cuomo has positioned himself as an unwavering ally of Israel, even joining Netanyahu’s legal defense team, while Zohran Mamdani has taken progressive stances that include calling for accountability regarding what he describes as war crimes.