The United States Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee has initiated a formal investigation into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani following his recent decision to rescind a series of executive orders pertaining to antisemitism. These actions are raising significant concerns about the potential impact on the Jewish community's safety and civil rights.
Mayor Mamdani made the controversial move to nullify previous executive orders on his first day in office, a decision that effectively eliminated policies established by his predecessor, Eric Adams. Among the revoked measures were directives prohibiting city agencies from engaging in boycotts or divestments from Israel, as well as the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This definition includes certain denunciations of Israel's legitimacy as forms of antisemitic behavior.
In response to these developments, Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) dispatched a letter to Mayor Mamdani demanding clarity on the reasoning behind the repeal of these specific safeguards. Rep. Cassidy's concern is underscored by the potential jeopardy of up to $2.2 billion in federal funding, which could be at risk if New York City is found to be non-compliant with federal civil rights regulations.
"Antisemitism is not an abstract concern in New York City," stated Rep. Cassidy, emphasizing that it is a tangible issue affecting millions of residents and students. The congressman stressed that any administrative actions that potentially weaken protections for Jewish students deserve thorough federal examination.
Rep. Cassidy also sought assurances that the civil rights of Jewish students and residents would remain safeguarded under the city's leadership. His warning comes at a time when antisemitic incidents are reportedly on the rise both nationally and within New York City. Following an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the United States witnessed a spike in antisemitic episodes. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded 1,437 incidents in New York State alone in 2024, marking an 18% increase from the previous year and the highest number reported by any state.
Furthermore, New York City police data indicated a near tripling of anti-Jewish hate crimes in January 2026 compared to the same period in the prior year. Jewish advocacy groups and individuals, including the ADL's chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt, have voiced their alarm following Mayor Mamdani's executive decisions. Greenblatt pointed to what he termed as Mamdani's "long-standing, troubling record" on matters concerning the Jewish community. Critics also highlight Mamdani's historical public support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.
The Senate committee's investigative powers encompass the assessment of compliance with education funding and anti-discrimination laws. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for federal funding and the enforcement of civil rights protections for minority communities in New York City.
