Mamdani revokes Israel-related executive orders, prioritises housing in first acts as NYC mayor

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has revoked several executive orders signed by his predecessor Eric Adams, including directives related to Israel and antisemitism, while issuing new orders focused on housing, marking his first major actions in office.

Mamdani signed the orders on Thursday (1 January), only hours after his inauguration at City Hall. The move rescinded executive orders issued by Adams after 26 September 2024, the date the former mayor was federally indicted, reports CNN.

Adams has denied wrongdoing, and the charges were later dropped by the Trump administration and dismissed by a judge.

Speaking to reporters, Mamdani said the indictment marked a moment when many New Yorkers felt disengaged from politics, adding that his administration would chart a different course.

Among the revoked orders were one that expanded the city's definition of antisemitism in line with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which classifies some criticism of Israel as antisemitic, and another that barred city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from Israel.

Mamdani also overturned an Adams-era order that allowed federal immigration authorities access to Rikers Island jail, a move welcomed by civil liberties groups.

At the same time, the new mayor signed additional executive orders aimed at accelerating housing development. These include directives to analyse ways to speed up construction and to create an inventory of city-owned land suitable for housing, with a report to be submitted by summer.

Supporters of Mamdani and some lawmakers had criticised Adams' late-term executive orders as an attempt to undermine the incoming administration's agenda. The Israel-related directives were also seen as highlighting Adams' strong support for Israel, in contrast to Mamdani's outspoken criticism of the Israeli government.

The revocations drew sharp criticism from some Jewish leaders and Israeli officials. In a post on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry accused Mamdani of fueling antisemitism, saying his actions undermined efforts to combat it.

However, the New York Civil Liberties Union backed the reversals. Its Executive Director Donna Lieberman said the Adams-era orders adopted an overly broad definition of antisemitism and improperly restricted city agencies from engaging in boycotts. She also criticised the Rikers Island order as violating the city's sanctuary laws and aiding federal deportation efforts.

Mamdani has said he supports Israel's right to exist but opposes preferential treatment based on religion and believes the Israeli government should guarantee equal rights for all citizens. He is also a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates nonviolent pressure in support of Palestinian rights. Critics of the movement argue it is antisemitic.

Not all antisemitism-related initiatives introduced under Adams have been scrapped. The Office to Combat Antisemitism, established in May last year, will remain, though Mamdani said it will be reorganised as part of broader administrative changes.

As mayor, Mamdani holds wide executive powers, allowing him to reshape policy, reorganise city agencies and set enforcement priorities, moves that are already signalling a sharp shift in direction for New York City governance.