New York City’s new mayor has kicked off his term with a decision that’s got many shaking their heads in disbelief.
On his very first day in office, Mayor Zohran Mamdani tore up policies that safeguarded Jewish communities, leaving many to wonder if safety is still a priority in the Big Apple, Fox News reported.
Right out of the gate, Mamdani revoked Executive Order 61 for extra NYPD security at synagogues, scrapped the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, and lifted a ban on boycotting Israel, all of which were cornerstones of his predecessor Eric Adams’ administration.
For Jewish families in New York City, this isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a potential safety crisis with real-world consequences like increased risk of violent antisemitic attacks, especially given recent incidents in the city.
Let’s rewind to the moment Mamdani was elected, celebrating his victory at the Brooklyn Paramount on Nov. 4, 2025, with a crowd cheering for change. But the change that came on day one has left many in the Jewish community and pro-Israel circles feeling betrayed rather than uplifted.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry didn’t mince words, posting on X, "On his very first day as New York City mayor, Mamdani shows his true face: He scraps the IHRA definition of antisemitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel." Well, if that’s showing his true face, it’s a portrait many find deeply troubling, especially when 20% of his transition team reportedly has anti-Zionist ties, per the Anti-Defamation League.
Then there’s Mamdani’s refusal to clearly reject the phrase "Globalize the intifada," a rallying cry critics say pushes for erasing Israel’s existence. Pro-Israel advocates are sounding the alarm, warning that such stances could embolden dangerous rhetoric at a time when antisemitic attacks are already plaguing the city.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the nation, has stayed mum on Mamdani’s bold moves. When pressed for comment, Schumer’s office dodged multiple requests from Fox News Digital, leaving New York’s Jewish residents without reassurance from a key voice.
Schumer’s past comments on antisemitism, like "As I have warned repeatedly, antisemitism is a scourge around the world," ring hollow when he won’t weigh in on a policy rollback in his own backyard. From a populist perspective, this silence feels like a dodge of duty—constituents deserve to know where their leaders stand on issues of safety and hate.
Even after the horrific Bondi Beach shooting in mid-December, which claimed 15 lives at a Jewish community event, Schumer noted the unique targeting of Jewish people. Yet, on Mamdani’s decisions, he’s offered nothing but crickets. It’s a head-scratcher that demands an explanation.
Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, warned that these policy reversals could directly threaten Jewish safety in the city. With recent antisemitic attacks already making headlines, his concern isn’t theoretical—it’s a grim possibility that could unfold on NYC streets.
Allies of Israel are bracing for what they see as a dangerous precedent under Mamdani’s leadership. They argue that without clear definitions of antisemitism or protective measures like extra police presence, hate could fester unchecked. It’s a fair worry when policy seems to prioritize ideology over practical security.
Schumer’s earlier sidestep on endorsing Mamdani, saying only, "We are continuing to talk," now looks like a missed chance to take a stand. If even a seasoned leader like Schumer hesitates, what signal does that send to communities already on edge?
From a conservative lens, Mamdani’s day-one agenda appears to lean hard into a progressive playbook, sidelining the very real fears of Jewish New Yorkers. It’s not about woke or unwoke—it’s about whether city hall values protection over politics.
The question now is whether these policy shifts will lead to measurable harm, be it through increased incidents or strained community trust. Every New Yorker, regardless of faith, deserves a mayor who doesn’t play fast and loose with safety protocols.
Until Schumer or other leaders step up with clarity, the ball is in Mamdani’s court to prove his administration won’t let ideology trump the well-being of any community. For now, many are watching with bated breath—and a healthy dose of skepticism. Let’s hope accountability, not avoidance, wins the day.
