On January 2, 2026, the newly sworn-in Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, took a bold step by revoking the IHRA definition of antisemitism as one of his first official actions. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern, particularly within the Jewish community and among advocates for combating antisemitism.
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, also known as the IHRA working definition of antisemitism (IHRA-WDA), is a non-legally binding working definition adopted by the IHRA in 2016. It was initially published in 2005 by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC). The definition aims to provide a clear and comprehensive framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism in its various forms. It defines antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". The IHRA provides examples to illustrate this definition, helping to clarify what constitutes antisemitism in contemporary society.
Mayor Adams, Mamdani's predecessor, had recognized the IHRA definition in June 2025 through an executive order. This order was part of a broader initiative to recognize and combat antisemitism, particularly in the context of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The BDS movement, which advocates for economic and political pressure on Israel, has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that its tactics often border on antisemitism.
Mamdani's decision to revoke the IHRA definition has been met with broad rejection and criticism, with many viewing it as a dismissal of widely-accepted safeguards against antisemitism. The timing of Mamdani's action, on his first day in office, has intensified concerns about the potential impact on the Jewish community and the broader fight against antisemitism. Critics argue that without the IHRA definition, it becomes more difficult to identify and address instances of antisemitism, particularly in contexts where it is intertwined with political and social issues.
In addition to revoking the IHRA definition, Mamdani also lifted restrictions on city officials supporting the BDS movement and allowed demonstrations outside Jewish places of worship. These actions have raised questions about the new administration's stance on antisemitism and its commitment to protecting the Jewish community. The continuation of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism may provide a semblance of reassurance, but without the IHRA definition or the anti-BDS directive, the office risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive.
This latest development underscores the ongoing debate over the IHRA definition of antisemitism and its role in combating antisemitism in contemporary society. While the definition has been widely adopted and endorsed by many international organizations, it has also faced criticism from those who argue that it limits free speech and political activism. The IHRA definition remains a critical tool in the fight against antisemitism, but its effectiveness and appropriateness continue to be subjects of intense debate.
