Eric Adams has officially implemented the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s antisemitism definition across New York City government through an executive order. The signing at a Manhattan synagogue served as both a policy announcement and a demonstration of Adams’ commitment to protecting Jewish communities from what he described as a spreading vile disease of antisemitism.
The IHRA definition includes examples that have drawn criticism from free speech advocates who worry about potential overreach in identifying antisemitic behavior. Particularly contentious are provisions that could classify certain critiques of Israeli state policies as antisemitic, potentially suppressing legitimate discourse on college campuses and in political forums throughout the city.
As Adams prepares for a competitive primary election while facing corruption investigations, his adoption of this definition appears calculated to appeal to Jewish voters who supported him previously. His opponents present contrasting approaches: Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated unwavering support for Israeli leadership, while Zohran Mamdani has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and described the situation in Gaza as genocidal.