Senate Investigates NYC Mayor Over Anti-Semitism Orders
WASHINGTON – A Senate committee has started looking into New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s administration, expressing serious concerns regarding the reversal of executive orders aimed at combating anti-Semitism and the boycott of Israel.
Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sent Mamdani a letter inquiring whether this decision might hinder the enforcement of civil rights laws and jeopardize $2.2 billion in federal funding for the city.
In his letter, Cassidy emphasized that anti-Semitism is a real issue for many residents and students in New York City, stating, “The consequences are very serious.” He noted that the administration’s actions seem to undermine protections for Jewish students, adding that this situation requires close examination.
Jewish students deserve assurances that their civil rights and safety won’t be at risk due to the mayor’s choices, Cassidy conveyed in his correspondence.
A January survey indicated that a significant majority (53%) of Jewish voters in New York felt uneasy about the rhetoric from Mamdani and his associates.
Since taking office, Mamdani has rescinded all executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on federal corruption charges in September 2024.
Among the revoked orders was one established to create the Mayor’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism, which aimed to tackle anti-Semitic hate crimes. Another order opposed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.
Before assuming office, Mamdani described Israel as an apartheid state and showed his support for the BDS initiative.
In his letter, Cassidy pointed out that the previous orders referenced the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, which is widely recognized by various organizations globally.
Mamdani has criticized this definition, arguing that it unfairly blurs the lines between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism. He has previously stated his commitment to nonviolent approaches to address Israeli state actions.
The earlier order issued by Adams also mandated that mayoral staff and appointees not create policies that discriminate against Israel or its citizens.
Recently, the New York City Health Department formed a task force that might have faced restrictions under Adams’ prior direction, levying accusations against Israel of genocide.
Reports indicate that this Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group recently met to discuss its objectives, including addressing alleged ongoing genocide in Palestine.
Cassidy also highlighted that the New York City Department of Education stands to receive substantial federal funds in June 2025, contingent on compliance with civil rights laws.
He posed questions to Mamdani about how the administration plans to address anti-Semitism in schools, protect Jewish students, and whether there are alternative definitions of anti-Semitism that will be adopted.
Mamdani’s response is anticipated by February 19, according to Cassidy’s letter. No immediate comments were available from the mayor’s representatives.
