Overview

• Antisemitic incidents accounted for 62 percent of hate crimes in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting an 18 percent rise from the previous year.
• Progressive activists and some Jewish advocacy groups warn that the IHRA definition could chill free speech by categorizing anti-Zionist rhetoric as antisemitic.
• Adams left the Democratic Party after his first term and is running on an independent “End Antisemitism” ballot line in the crowded November mayoral race.
• Last month, he launched the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under Jewish liaison Moshe Davis and earlier formed the city’s first Jewish Advisory Council.
• Several contenders, including Andrew Cuomo and Whitney Tilson, have pledged to adopt the IHRA definition if elected, while others such as Brad Lander argue it may suppress criticism of Israeli policy.