Jacobs Opposes Mamdani’s Rescinding of Anti-Semitism Orders

On Sunday, State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs expressed his opposition to Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s decision to revoke executive orders that addressed anti-Semitism and support for Israel, although he emphasized a desire to be “fair-minded.”

Jacobs stated, “I don’t agree with that. It clearly doesn’t send a reassuring message to the Jewish community,” regarding Mamdani’s reversal of an order originally issued by former Mayor Eric Adams.

While he criticized the decision, Jacobs pointed out that the executive order had more of a “symbolic” significance and mentioned that Mamdani still has a town hall set up to combat anti-Semitism.

“I want to be fair. Let’s turn the temperature down. I’m against it. But let’s give him time,” Jacobs remarked about the new mayor.

Adams had previously implemented an executive order that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism and prohibited city officials from boycotting or divesting from Israel. In contrast, Mamdani has shown support for the BDS movement against Israel.

Recently, Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized Mamdani’s actions, accusing them of inciting anti-Semitism. Mainstream Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Community Relations Council and the UJA Federation, condemned his decision as well.

Jacobs, a moderate ally of Governor Kathy Hochul and leader of the Nassau County Democratic Party, found himself in hot water last fall when he declined to endorse Mamdani after the latter won the Democratic primary for mayor.

While Hochul supported Mamdani, Jacobs, who is Jewish, had earlier expressed concerns about Mamdani’s vocal critiques of Israel, citing ideological differences. He reflected on his family history, saying, “My mother left Nazi Germany in 1939,” and underscored the importance of standing up for Israel.

Nonetheless, Jacobs acknowledged that Mamdani was elected by a majority of voters and suggested that repealing the executive order doesn’t definitively indicate how the mayor will address anti-Semitism in the city.

Mamdani defended his choice, stating that rescinding the order was necessary following the chaos surrounding Adams’ indictment. He explained that the decision needed to be made regarding the legitimacy of executive orders issued after certain events.

“On your first day as mayor of New York, you have to decide which previous executive orders you want to continue. Sometimes you modify them, sometimes you cancel them,” Mamdani explained.

He expressed that his administration remains committed to combating hate and division, stressing the importance of funding hate crime prevention and honoring community neighbors.

Hochul’s office acknowledged that the governor had adopted the IHRA’s definition of anti-Semitism but did not directly criticize Mamdani’s actions. “Rescinding this executive order in no way weakens protections for Jewish New Yorkers,” a lawmaker stated.