NYC Mayor Mamdani Faces Backlash from ADL Over Antisemitism Concerns

Civil rights group says mayor's actions in first 100 days raise 'serious cause for concern'

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:24pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a Jewish community center or synagogue building, its facade bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.Tensions rise as New York's Jewish community grapples with the mayor's perceived lack of action on antisemitism.NYC Today

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's actions, or lack thereof, in fighting antisemitism during his first 100 days in office. The ADL said Mamdani has 'neglected to proactively protect Jews and rescinded key antisemitism protections' while calling himself a mayor committed to the Jewish community.

Why it matters

The ADL's criticism of Mamdani's handling of antisemitism issues has sparked concerns within the Jewish community about the mayor's commitment to combating hate. Mamdani's past support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and his associations with figures considered antisemitic have also contributed to the distrust.

The details

Upon taking office, Mamdani revoked executive orders signed by his predecessor Eric Adams that barred city officials from boycotting or divesting from Israel. He also repealed an order that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. Mamdani himself supports the BDS campaign and has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. The ADL considers the BDS movement a form of antisemitism for trying to delegitimize and economically harm Israel.

  • Mamdani revoked the antisemitism-related executive orders upon taking office in January 2026.
  • The ADL's criticism of Mamdani's actions came in mid-April 2026, after the mayor's first 100 days in office.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who has faced criticism from the ADL over his handling of antisemitism issues during his first 100 days in office.

Scott Richman

The NY-NJ regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, who criticized Mamdani's actions and policies.

Eric Adams

The previous mayor of New York City, who had signed the executive orders that Mamdani later revoked.

Rama Duwaji

The first lady of New York City and Mamdani's wife, whose anti-Israel views have also sown distrust among many in the Jewish community.

Simcha Felder

A New York City Councilman who represents heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods and has criticized Mamdani's views on Israel.

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What they’re saying

“Mayor Mamdani wants credit for fighting antisemitism, but the policies, programs, and personnel that he has put in place in his first 100 days give us serious cause for concern.”

— Scott Richman, NY-NJ regional director, Anti-Defamation League

“His opinions on Israel are unconscionable. Some of the comments unintentionally contributed to antisemitism.”

— Simcha Felder, New York City Councilman

“The concept that there is a distinction between the two [Judaism and Israel] doesn't hold water.”

— Simcha Felder, New York City Councilman

What’s next

The ADL said it will continue to hold Mayor Mamdani accountable for his promises to be a mayor for all New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers. The group suggested Mamdani could improve his relationship with the Jewish community by signing a bill that would allow the NYPD to create buffer zones barring protests near the entrances of synagogues and other houses of worship.

The takeaway

Mamdani's actions and rhetoric around Israel and antisemitism during his first 100 days in office have raised significant concerns within the Jewish community in New York City. The mayor will need to find a way to rebuild trust and demonstrate a stronger commitment to combating hate if he hopes to mend these fractured relationships.