New York City Mayor Eric Adams Signs Executive Order to Combat Rising Anti-Semitism

Strategic Insights -

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed an executive order to recognize a widely used international definition of anti-Semitism, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to confront a surge in anti-Jewish hate crimes. As part of this initiative, city agencies will now use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism to identify and respond to incidents. According to City Hall, Jewish New Yorkers make up over 11% of the city's population, and anti-Semitic incidents account for more than half of all hate crimes in New York City.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IHRA's working definition of anti-Semitism states that it is a "certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews."
  • The definition is already used by the U.S. State Department and dozens of governments worldwide, but has drawn criticism from some groups who fear it could be misused to suppress legitimate free speech.
  • The executive order signed by Mayor Adams aims to promote understanding and facilitate a thoughtful response to anti-Semitic hate in New York City.
  • The move comes amid a documented rise in anti-Semitic attacks, with 54% of all hate crimes reported by the NYPD last year attributed to anti-Semitic incidents.
  • Mayor Adams has also introduced legislation urging the City Council to codify the definition into local law, which he said is necessary in fighting anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence.
  • A new office, the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism, has been established to combat anti-Semitism, with Moshe Davis, its executive director, stating that recognizing the IHRA definition is critical to understand the pervasiveness of anti-Semitism.

Statistics:

  • Jewish New Yorkers make up over 11% of the city's population.
  • Anti-Semitic incidents account for more than half of all hate crimes in New York City, according to City Hall.
  • In 2022, such incidents accounted for 54% of all hate crimes reported by the NYPD.
  • So far in 2023, the figure has risen to 57%, according to City Hall.

Sources:

  • "Mayor Adams Signs Executive Order Proposing Legislation to Codify IHRA Definition of Antisemitism." Office of the Mayor, New York City. Press Release, 2023.
  • "Mayor Adams Announces New NYC Office to Combat Antisemitism." Gothamist, February 2023.