Mayor Eric Adams has signed an executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism as part of his plan to fight rising hate crimes in New York City. He made the announcement at Tribeca Synagogue during a public event with Dr. Phil on Sunday night. The IHRA definition explains that antisemitism is a perception of Jews often expressed as hatred which can include both physical and verbal attacks. 

Adams also proposed a bill asking the City Council to approve this definition and turn it into city law. Jewish leaders have widely praised the IHRA definition as a clear and global standard. Adams said that recent terror attacks and growing hate speech have made antisemitism more visible and dangerous in communities across the city. According to police reports more than half of March’s hate crimes targeted Jewish people who make up only 11 percent of the city’s population.

City Council Urged To Codify Definition As Hate Crimes Rise

Adams also announced the creation of a new city office to monitor and fight antisemitism through education reporting and policy enforcement. He hopes this effort will help track trends and provide rapid response to antisemitic threats. The mayor’s decision comes as he prepares for re-election and aims to run on an “End Semitism” campaign line. 

“We know this moment demands bold decisive action to crack down on anti-Jewish hatred,” Adams said while urging lawmakers to act now.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo had issued a similar policy blocking deals with companies supporting the anti-Israel boycott movement and Governor Hochul has kept that rule in place. Adams emphasized the urgency of this initiative in today’s political climate.