Adams Implements Disputed Anti-Hate Definition Before Key Primary

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism for municipal use. The policy announcement, made at a Manhattan synagogue, comes as Adams seeks to solidify support among Jewish voters while addressing what he characterizes as rising antisemitic incidents in the city.
The definition’s accompanying examples have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who worry about potential overreach in identifying antisemitic behavior. These concerns focus particularly on provisions that could classify legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions as antisemitic, potentially limiting free expression on college campuses and in political discourse throughout the city.
Adams faces a challenging primary election where his opponents present dramatically different approaches to Israel-Palestine issues. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated unwavering support for Israeli leadership, even providing legal assistance to Netanyahu, while progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani has been highly critical of Israeli actions in Gaza and has called for the arrest of Israeli officials if they visit New York.