Blakeman: Mamdani’s First Move as Mayor Is a Direct Attack on Jewish New Yorkers 

Mayor Repeals Executive Order Recognizing IHRA Definition, Gutting Citywide Protections Against Antisemitism 

Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman today slammed New York City Mayor Mamdani’s decision to repeal an executive order protecting Jewish New Yorkers and recognizing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Blakeman called the move a “direct betrayal of nearly one million Jewish New Yorkers.”

“Mayor Mamdani wasted no time showing New Yorkers exactly who he is,” Blakeman said. “His very first executive action as mayor was not to address crime, public safety, or quality of life — it was to repeal protections for Jewish people. At a moment of exploding antisemitism, Mamdani sent a message that Jewish concerns are negotiable and Jewish safety is optional. It’s indefensible.”

The repealed executive order, issued by former Mayor Eric Adams, directed city agencies to use the IHRA working definition of antisemitism to identify, respond to, and raise awareness of antisemitic incidents across New York City. The order was widely recognized as a critical tool to ensure that antisemitic hate is taken seriously and addressed consistently, particularly as Jewish New Yorkers face historic levels of harassment, vandalism, threats, and violence across all five boroughs.

“We have kids afraid to wear yarmulkes. We have synagogues needing police protection. We have Jewish New Yorkers wondering whether their city still has their back, and Mayor Mamdani’s answer was to rip away one of the strongest tools the city had to fight antisemitism,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman also sharply criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for her silence and called on her to immediately step in. “Governor Hochul must stop hiding behind political convenience,” Blakeman said. “She has a moral obligation to stand up to Mayor Mamdani and make clear that New York will not tolerate policies that weaken protections for Jewish people. Silence in the face of antisemitism is complicity.”

Blakeman reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the Jewish community and confronting antisemitism wherever it appears.

“There is no ambiguity here,” Blakeman concluded. “You either stand with Jewish New Yorkers, or you side with those who excuse hate. I will never stop fighting antisemitism — and I will never stay silent while leaders in this state dismantle protections for the people who need them most.”

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