By Muhammad Mamman
In a major policy reversal, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed an executive order rescinding all Israel-related directives issued under former Mayor Eric Adams, including rules that barred city agencies from boycotting Israel and a definition of antisemitism critics said blurred the line between legitimate political criticism and hate speech.
The new order, announced on Tuesday, marks one of the most significant breaks yet between Mamdani’s administration and his predecessor’s stance on Middle East politics and civil liberties.
Mamdani revoked Adams’ ban on city departments and contractors participating in or supporting boycotts of Israel — a measure that had been condemned by civil rights groups and free-speech advocates. Also scrapped was Adams’ endorsement of an expansive definition of antisemitism that critics argued framed certain criticisms of Israeli government policy as inherently antisemitic.
In a brief statement, Mamdani’s office said the move was aimed at “restoring a clear distinction between political expression and hate speech, and ensuring New Yorkers’ constitutional rights remain fully protected.”
Adams’ directives, introduced during heightened tensions over the Israel–Palestine conflict, had drawn sharp criticism from advocacy organisations, academic groups and pro-Palestinian activists, who said the measures chilled dissent and stifled debate.
Jewish community groups have been divided, with some praising the broader definition of antisemitism as necessary for combating hate, while others warned that conflating anti-Israel sentiment with antisemitism risked undermining efforts to tackle genuine bigotry.
Mamdani’s order takes effect immediately. His administration says further guidance will be issued to city agencies in the coming days.
