Mamdani Revokes Pro-Israel Decrees on First Day

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has moved to cancel a number of executive orders issued by former mayor Eric Adams, including directives that had been framed as pro-Israel measures.

An executive order signed by Mamdani on his first day in office nullifies all mayoral directives enacted on or after September 26, 2024, that were still in effect at the end of 2025. Orders issued before that date remain valid unless they are separately changed or withdrawn.

Mamdani implemented the decision within hours of his inauguration at City Hall on Thursday and reaffirmed the move the following day, saying he stood firmly behind the repeal.

Among the cancelled measures was a recent directive preventing city agencies from participating in boycotts or divestment related to Israel. Another revoked order, issued in June, adopted an expanded definition of antisemitism that treated some criticism of Israel as discriminatory.

The decision drew criticism from Israeli officials and some Jewish organisations. Israel’s foreign ministry accused Mamdani of encouraging antisemitism, while the UJA Federation of New York said the move rolled back what it described as important safeguards.

“On his first day as mayor, Mamdani removed the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifted restrictions on boycotting Israel,” Israel’s foreign ministry said in a statement posted on social media.

Despite the reversals, Mamdani left intact the Office to Combat Antisemitism, which was created under the previous administration and will continue its work. The new order also does not affect emergency directives that are currently in force.

Speaking at a press conference, Mamdani said protecting Jewish residents would remain a priority for his administration. He described the repeal of the executive orders as a way to clear the slate and begin a new chapter for the city.

He added that his leadership would focus on confronting hate and division, including antisemitism, through funding prevention programs, strengthening community ties and promoting inclusive politics.

Commenting on the changes, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman told The New York Times that the rescinded orders appeared to be last-minute efforts by the former mayor to restrict viewpoints he opposed. She said it was unsurprising that the new administration chose to undo them.

Lieberman emphasized that freedom of expression applies regardless of political position, including speech related to Israel and Gaza, as well as all other public policy debates.

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