Summary
Palestinian rights groups are applauding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for canceling pro-Israel orders put in place by the previous mayor, Eric Adams. Mayor Mamdani removed these orders on his first day in office, which has been criticized by the Israeli government. One of the revoked orders restricted criticism and boycotts of Israel, which advocates argued limited free speech.
Key Facts
- Zohran Mamdani is the new mayor of New York City.
- On his first day, he canceled several pro-Israel executive orders from the previous mayor, Eric Adams.
- One canceled order had limited the ability of city officials to engage in actions deemed critical of Israel.
- The canceled orders were seen by advocates as restricting free speech and were called "unconstitutional."
- The Israeli government criticized Mamdani's actions, calling them antisemitic.
- Palestinian rights groups support Mamdani's decision, saying it protects free speech and Palestinian dignity.
- The previous orders included a definition of antisemitism that some argued could suppress criticism of Israel.
- Israeli officials used derogatory language against Mamdani's decision, suggesting ties to Islamist groups, which he does not have.
