Israel Accuses NYC Mayor Mamdani of Antisemitism on Day One

Israel’s foreign ministry accused New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism on January 1, 2024, just hours after he officially took office. This accusation stems from Mamdani’s decision to revoke several executive orders from his predecessor, Eric Adams, which had included measures supportive of Israel. The Adams administration had implemented policies preventing city officials from engaging in punitive economic actions such as boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel.

The foreign ministry’s statement highlighted that Mamdani’s actions signify a rejection of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which the previous administration emphasized. According to the Adams administration, this definition identifies “demonizing Israel and holding it to double standards” as contemporary forms of antisemitism. The Israeli government expressed strong disapproval, stating, “On his very first day as New York City Mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. This isn’t leadership. It’s antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.”

Mamdani’s ascension to the mayorality came as Democrats aimed to invigorate the party ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. At just 34 years old, the democratic socialist has proposed an ambitious agenda that includes universal free childcare and free public transportation, funded in part by higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals.

This public rebuke from Israel adds an international dimension to ongoing debates surrounding Mamdani’s leadership. Just a day before, Jewish civil rights groups publicly criticized the mayor for removing posts related to combating antisemitism from the official @NYCMayor account shortly after he took office. They warned that this could send the wrong message at a particularly sensitive time.

Mamdani has consistently denied accusations of antisemitism, explaining that his criticism of Israel is based on human rights concerns. He has committed to safeguarding New York’s Jewish community while maintaining his outspoken stance on Middle Eastern policy. His swearing-in ceremony underscored this commitment, where he celebrated the city’s diversity, saying, “Where else could a Muslim kid like me grow up eating bagels and lox every Sunday?”

Despite this, Mamdani supports bond disinvestment as a means to pressure Israel and has expressed that he does not believe Israel should exist as a “Jewish state.” Israeli officials have been wary of Mamdani since his electoral victory in November. Following the election, Sharren Haskel, Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, described Mamdani’s win as “deeply concerning,” citing his previous activism and statements.

In a further escalation, Amichai Eliyahu, Israel’s Heritage Minister, criticized Mamdani’s Jewish supporters, accusing them of endorsing antisemitism “in the heart of America.” As tensions rise, the implications of Mamdani’s policies and statements could have significant repercussions for New York City’s relationship with Israel and for community dynamics within the city itself.