Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.
US reporter Luke Tress joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.
Following New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's January 1 inauguration, Tress reviews his rocky start with Jewish groups, after Mamdani revoked the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which had been a significant protection against antisemitic acts.
While Mamdani committed to keeping an office to combat anti-Semitism, a step applauded by the Jewish groups, says Tress, there is concern about the mayor's decision to revoke the IHRA antisemitism definition and anti-BDS measure
Tress also discusses Mamdani's appointment of prominent lawyer Ramzi Kassem, who has supported anti-Israel protest groups as well as trained and provided legal guidance to a long list of anti-Zionist protesters.
Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.
For further reading:
Leading Jewish groups issue warning as Mamdani cuts antisemitism protections on first day
Mamdani revokes IHRA antisemitism definition on day 1, amid broad rejection of Adams orders
Mamdani nods to Jewish and Palestinian New Yorkers in inaugural speech
Mamdani appoints lawyer who coached anti-Israel protesters as NYC’s chief counsel
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IMAGE: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signs executive orders during a press conference in the neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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