Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s Executive Order Under Scrutiny

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani has reportedly used a sweeping executive order that targets the legacy of his predecessor, Eric Adams. It seems this move also serves to obscure his plans to roll back the city’s pro-Israel policies.

Mamdani, identified as far-left and socialist, was never inclined to continue Adams’ supportive stance toward Israel. His team appeared concerned that a brief review might alienate Jewish groups, which he had pledged to support during his campaign, as noted by the New York Times.

Sources indicate that Mamdani’s lawyers have recently briefed him on two options to undo Adams’ pro-Israel policies: either revoke all executive orders established by Adams starting in 2025 or tackle them individually.

Instead, Mamdani chose to rescind all executive orders issued by Adams following his federal corruption indictment in September 2024. This included two significant policies aimed at defending Israel and combating anti-Semitism.

By framing this broad executive order as a matter of good governance, Mamdani seemed to present it as a necessary action, according to sources cited by the Times.

After signing the order, Mamdani expressed that it provided the administration with a “clean slate.”

The rescinded anti-Israel directives include one from last month prohibiting city officials from boycotting or divesting from Israel. Another order annulled the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism, which the Adams administration had characterized as including “demonizing Israel and imposing double standards as a form of modern anti-Semitism.”

The cancellation drew immediate backlash from Israel, with a spokesperson from the foreign ministry accusing Mamdani of “fueling the fire of anti-Semitism.”

Additionally, a coalition of American Jewish organizations—including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee—stated that Mamdani had “nullified two important protections against anti-Semitism,” as reported by the Times.

The Adams administration was aware that this order would create complications for Mamdani, especially since he governs the city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel.

“Rescission comes at a cost because it requires an explanation,” stated Randy Mastro, the first deputy mayor under Adams. “And if there’s no reason other than anti-Israel sentiment, repercussions can follow.”

Dora Pokek, a spokesperson for Mamdani, conveyed to the Times that discussions about reversing Adams’ order had been ongoing since fall, suggesting that they had communicated this intention directly to voters even before the election.

Mamdani asserted that the choice to rescind was aimed at restoring public confidence in the mayor’s office following Adams’ indictment.