On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the mayor of New York City and took immediate action by revoking two executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams. These orders had defined antisemitism according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and prohibited city agencies from participating in boycotts against Israel. Mamdani's office characterized this move as a step towards a 'fresh start' for his administration, particularly following the controversies surrounding Adams, who faced federal corruption charges that were later dropped.

The Israeli government responded strongly to Mamdani's actions, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accusing him of exacerbating antisemitism and labeling his decisions as 'antisemitic gasoline on an open fire.' Israel's consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, expressed concerns that Mamdani's revocation of these orders could threaten the safety of Jewish communities in the city and potentially lead to an increase in violent antisemitic incidents.

Mamdani's decision also included the rescission of an executive order that directed the New York police commissioner to assess regulations on protests near places of worship, which had been implemented in response to protests outside a synagogue that were perceived as antisemitic. While Adams had framed these measures as protective of Jewish New Yorkers' rights, Mamdani's administration has indicated a different approach.

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny for his past criticisms of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. His administration's stance has raised alarms among various Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, which noted that many members of his transition team have ties to anti-Zionist movements. Despite the backlash, Mamdani has committed to maintaining an office dedicated to combating antisemitism, suggesting a complex balancing act between addressing community concerns and advocating for broader social justice issues.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent Jewish figure, has not publicly commented on Mamdani's decisions, despite inquiries from the media. His silence comes amid rising concerns about antisemitism, particularly in light of recent violent attacks targeting Jewish individuals, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing these issues within the city.