Senate Republican Targets NYC Mayor

NEW YORK, NY — A senior Republican senator has launched a federal inquiry into Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to rescind two executive orders aimed at addressing antisemitism and restricting participation in boycotts of Israel by city employees.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sent a letter to the mayor expressing concern over the rollback of policies enacted under former Mayor Eric Adams. Mamdani declined to renew the orders after taking office Jan. 1.

One of the rescinded orders formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which includes certain criticisms of Israel. Adams signed that order in June. The second order, signed in December, barred city employees from participating in the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement targeting Israel.

Cassidy argued that rescinding the IHRA-related order could place New York City out of step with federal policy governing civil rights enforcement. Federal agencies consider the IHRA definition when addressing antisemitism under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

“Antisemitism is not an abstract concern in New York City; it is a lived reality for millions of students and residents, and its consequences are very serious,” Cassidy wrote. He said decisions by the mayor’s administration that weaken safeguards for Jewish students require scrutiny.

Cassidy also cited the city Department of Education’s reliance on federal funding. As of June, the agency’s operating budget included approximately $2.2 billion in federal funds. Continued eligibility, Cassidy wrote, depends on compliance with federal civil rights requirements.

The senator set a Feb. 19 deadline for the mayor to respond to a series of questions, including how the city plans to address antisemitism complaints without the IHRA framework. Cassidy asked whether City Hall consulted with federal agencies before rescinding the order and what guidance the administration has issued to the Department of Education on identifying and addressing antisemitism.

Cassidy also asked whether Mamdani believes the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement constitutes antisemitism.

City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mamdani has defended his decision, citing opposition to the IHRA definition from some Jewish organizations in New York City. He has argued that the definition conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

Cassidy rejected that view in his letter, writing that many governments, universities and international institutions recognize and encourage use of the IHRA definition.