The Times of Israel Daily Briefing Day 823 -- NYC Jews await Mamdani's next steps on antisemitism front
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Jan 6, 2026 Luke Tress, a New York-based reporter, shares insights into Mayor Zohran Mamdani's controversial start, particularly his revocation of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which has alarmed Jewish organizations. Tress discusses the potential impacts of this decision on hate crimes and education. He also addresses Mamdani's commitment to maintaining an office to combat antisemitism despite these changes. Additionally, Tress delves into the implications of Ramzi Kassem's appointment as chief counsel, known for his connections to anti-Israel protests.
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IHRA Revocation Sparked Broad Jewish Pushback
- Revoking the IHRA definition removed a widely used tool to classify some anti-Zionist speech as antisemitic.
- That change immediately generated rare, broad condemnation from mainstream and Orthodox Jewish groups in New York.
Practical Effects On Crimes And Classrooms
- Losing the IHRA definition could affect hate-crime designations and school curricula about Zionism.
- Without IHRA, prosecutors and educators may have less clarity when distinguishing criticism of Israel from antisemitic discrimination.
Office Kept, Definition Left Unclear
- Mamdani kept an Office to Combat Antisemitism while revoking IHRA and anti-BDS orders, creating an ambiguous policy mix.
- The office exists but its leadership and definition of antisemitism remain unclear.