NY Mayor Eric Adams Signs Incredible Antisemitism Order To Combat Growing Hate 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams solidified his stance against antisemitism on Sunday at Tribeca Synagogue, signing an executive order that formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. With him on stage was TV host Dr. Phil McGraw, in a public conversation lauded by the 300-strong audience, including Hasidic leaders and pro-Israel influencers .

Adams described antisemitism as a "vile disease" normalized since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. He emphasized that although Jews comprise about 11% of New Yorkers, they were the victims in 57% of hate crimes so far in 2025, up from 54% the prior year.

The order directs all city agencies to use the IHRA definition to identify and respond to antisemitic incidents. Adams also introduced legislation urging the City Council to codify the definition into local law.

This move is the first major initiative from the newly formed Mayoral Office to Combat Antisemitism, established in May 2025. The office is led by Rabbi Moshe Davis, Adams’ Jewish liaison since 2022 and former leader at the Manhattan Jewish Experience. This municipal office, the first of its kind in a U.S. city, assembles an inter-agency task force to monitor incidents, advise the law department, enforce policies at city-funded institutions, and coordinate education and legal strategies.

The IHRA definition outlines both traditional and modern forms of antisemitism, including denying Jewish self-determination or holding Jews collectively responsible for Israeli state actions. Although it has been embraced by over 35 countries and U.S. states, it has also faced criticism from civil liberties groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union, which says it could suppress free speech .

Adams' announcement comes weeks after a firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, targeting a pro-Israel rally. Critics, however, accuse Adams of political timing ahead of his reelection bid, noting the proximity of this initiative to his independent "End Anti-Semitism" campaign line.