Mayor Zohran Mamdani pictured signing three of his first 5 government orders geared toward tackling the town’s housing disaster throughout a press convention at an residence constructing in Brooklyn
Photograph by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Images Workplace
Mayor Zohran Mamdani got here out swinging final week as he embarks on his pivotal first 100 days in workplace — taking government motion to advance his personal agenda and trying to undo the roadblocks his predecessor, Eric Adams, tried to throw in his method.
However in doing so, Mamdani — who had proclaimed on the steps of Metropolis Corridor that he would attempt to be an inclusive mayor for all New Yorkers — as soon as once more stirred grave concern amongst these skeptical of his means to guard Jewish New Yorkers.
In his blanket repeal of all government orders issued by former Mayor Adams between Sept. 26, 2024 (the date of Adams’ federal corruption indictment) and Dec. 31, 2025, Mamdani additionally torpedoed orders that sought to dam metropolis businesses and workers from divesting from Israel and have the NYPD evaluation plans to maintain protests away from homes of worship, together with synagogues.
The blanket repeal additionally worn out an Adams order that adopted the Worldwide Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism as public coverage for the town.
Mayor Mamdani indicated that his blanket repeal of Adams’ ultimate set of orders was an effort to wipe the slate clear and restore belief amongst New Yorkers who had misplaced confidence within the mayor’s independence over the past 16 months. Mamdani additionally careworn he preserved a earlier Adams order that established the Mayor’s Workplace to Fight Antisemitism, signaling (in his view) a continued dedication to combating hate. But he additionally indicated that he would make adjustments to this system, with out offering particular particulars.
So in terms of the belief Jewish New Yorkers have in Mamdani’s means to guard them, it felt just like the mayor had taken one step ahead and three steps again.
It made some skeptics wonder if Mamdani is speaking from each side of his mouth in terms of combating antisemitism, nevertheless and every time it happens.
Jewish New Yorkers are relying on the mayor to acknowledge that antisemitism just isn’t one thing that may be merely condemned on paper; it have to be fought proactively with each useful resource on the metropolis’s disposal.
Which means adopting the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism as a part of public statements broadcasting zero tolerance for hatred.
Which means directing the NYPD to take steps to guard synagogues and different homes of worship from protesters.
Which means defending New York’s pursuits in Israel, the one place on the earth the place extra Jewish individuals reside exterior of the Large Apple.
Jewish New Yorkers want Mayor Mamdani to train his government authority and boldly state his dedication to guard them — both by reaffirming the previous mayor’s orders together with his personal signature or by issuing new orders together with his personal modifications.
We need to imagine Mayor Mamdani’s statements that he shall be a mayor for all New Yorkers.
However the worst fears of each Jewish New Yorker shall be realized if, ultimately, his phrases communicate louder than his actions.
