Mamdani revokes Israel-related executive orders signed by Adams, orders team to focus on housing in first acts as mayor

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used his executive powers to revoke a handful of orders put in place by his predecessor after the former mayor was indicted by the federal government, including a directive that expanded the definition of anti-Semitism and another that prohibited city employees and agencies from boycotting or divestment from Israel.

Mamdani signed the orders Thursday afternoon, just hours after his inaugural ceremony at City Hall. As part of that decision, he rescinded directives signed by the former mayor, Eric Adams, after September 26, 2024 – the date Adams was indicted.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Mamdani said “it was a date that marked a moment when many New Yorkers decided politics wasn’t for them.”

Adams denied any wrongdoing and the Trump administration later sought to drop the charges against Adams, which were ultimately dismissed by a judge.

Mamdani also signed additional executive orders Thursday regarding housing — an issue he focused heavily on during his campaign.

The orders require the administration to do an analysis of how housing development can be accelerated and to create an inventory of city-owned land where housing can be built and submit the report by summer.

Adams’ executive orders, issued in the final days of his term, were seen by Mamdani’s supporters and some lawmakers as an attempt to undermine Mamdani’s agenda.

It was also an opportunity for Adams to tout his support for Israel, unlike Mamdani, who is a staunch critic of the Israeli government. The 34-year-old democratic socialist had sparked concern among many Jewish leaders since his meteoric political rise began last year.

One of the revoked orders blocked all city agencies from divestment from Israel and the other expanded the definition of anti-Semitism to match the definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which classifies some criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic.

Mamdani defended his orders at a news conference Friday, telling reporters that some Jewish organizations in the city also shared his concerns about the expanded definition of the term. In explaining his directive, Mamdani stressed that new mayors have the choice of signing a continuation of previous orders, revoking them or modifying them.

“What we will do is actually deliver on our commitment to protect New York Jews in a way that is actually able to fulfill that goal,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani’s decision so early in his new administration has sparked concern and criticism from some Jewish leaders. In a social media post, the Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Mamdani of fueling anti-Semitism and several Jewish organizations, including the UJA Federation of New York and the New York Board of Rabbis, issued a joint statement criticizing his order, saying it rolled back “important protections against anti-Semitism.”

“While we welcome Mayor Mamdani’s executive order to better protect places of worship, and his continuation of the Mayor’s Office of Combating Anti-Semitism, our community will seek clear and sustained leadership that demonstrates a serious commitment to combating anti-Semitism,” the statement read in part.

New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman supported Mamdani’s decision, saying Adams’ executive orders “adopted a flawed and far too broad definition of anti-Semitism that prohibited city agencies from boycotting Israel.”

She also said the organization supported her reversal of another Adams-era executive order, which had allowed federal immigration authorities into the city’s Rikers Island prison complex.

“This order violated New York City’s sanctuary laws, served no legitimate public safety purpose, and was a gift to the Trump administration’s cruel deportation agenda,” Lieberman said.

As mayor, the chief executive of New York City has broad powers. Although some ordinances may be considered somewhat symbolic, they can also have a broader impact through the outright implementation of policies, the reorganization of municipal agencies, and the enforcement actions that local authorities must take.

Mamdani said he believed in Israel’s right to exist, but that the Israeli government should not give preferential treatment to the Jewish people, saying it should guarantee equal rights to all citizens. He is also a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement – ​​a global campaign calling for the use of nonviolent tactics to support Palestinian human rights. While its supporters say the movement puts pressure on Israel, its critics say it is anti-Semitic.

Mamdani did not entirely rescind all of Adams’ orders focused on anti-Semitism. The city’s Office to Combat Anti-Semitism, created under Adams in May of last year, will remain in place, but Mamdani is revamping its structure, a common move for new administrations.

This story has been updated with additional information.