Mayor Adams Takes Steps Against Anti-Semitism
On Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, aiming to enhance his city’s efforts in combating hatred towards Jews.
He also proposed legislation encouraging city councils to approve this definition, seen by many Jewish leaders as essential in the fight against anti-Semitism.
The IHRA definition states, “Anti-Semitism is a specific perception of Jews and can be expressed as hatred towards Jews. The rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or property, Jewish community systems, and religious institutions.”
Adams made this announcement during a discussion with Dr. Phil at the Tribeca Synagogue Sunday evening.
This initiative coincides with his reelection campaign, where he plans to run as an independent candidate on the “final semitism” voting line.
“Anti-Semitism is a vile disease spreading across our country and cities. Even more alarming, following the Hamas terrorist attacks, this hateful rhetoric has intensified since October 7, 2023,” Adams remarked.
Despite the urgency of his message, it’s notable that, in March, over half of the reported hate crimes in the city were against Jews, who only make up about 11% of the population.
“I recognize that this moment calls for bold and decisive action against anti-Semitic hatred,” he continued. “Today, we’ve implemented a groundbreaking executive order adopting an internationally recognized definition of anti-Semitism. But our efforts must go beyond this. I urge the City Council to commit to actively combatting anti-Semitism and successfully implement this bill soon.”
At the state level, former governor Andrew Cuomo issued an order against business relations with companies that support boycotts against Israel prior to his resignation. Governor Kathy Hochul has maintained this policy.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has also shown support for pro-Israel measures. In 2021, he highlighted that he secured $111 million in investment from the company owning Ben & Jerry’s, affected by their boycott of ice cream sales in Israel’s occupied territory. DiNapoli oversees the $274 billion state common retirement fund.
