Mayor Adams Signs Order to Address Antisemitism

By Y.M. Lowy

Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order Sunday in Manhattan adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

The order directs city agencies to use the IHRA definition to help identify and respond to antisemitic incidents. The IHRA defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.”

“Recognizing this definition will help us respond more clearly and thoughtfully to antisemitism in our city,” Adams said. Jewish New Yorkers make up more than 11 percent of the city’s population.

Adams said he plans to take the effort further. Alongside the order, he introduced legislation urging the City Council to make the definition part of local law. The move comes as antisemitic incidents continue to rise: in 2023, they made up 54 percent of hate crimes reported by the NYPD. That number has grown to 57 percent so far this year.

Last month, the mayor launched the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. Its executive director, Moshe Davis, called the definition an important step in recognizing the different ways antisemitism can appear.

“We will no longer tolerate the denial of Jewish self-determination, the use of coded language to attack Jews, or violence disguised as anti-Zionism,” Davis said.

Photo Credit: Benny Polatseck / Mayoral Photography Office