Mamdani Sworn In as New York Mayor as Israel Criticizes Rollback of IHRA Policy

Overview

• Zohran Mamdani took the oath just after midnight at Old City Hall in Manhattan, using two Qurans and being sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• In a public ceremony on the City Hall steps, Senator Bernie Sanders led a ceremonial oath and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke as thousands braved subzero temperatures.
• Mamdani told supporters he would govern as a democratic socialist and vowed to make New York “an example for the world,” emphasizing rent relief, universal childcare and free bus service.
• Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused the new mayor of promoting antisemitism after he rescinded the city’s adoption of the IHRA definition, lifted BDS-related pension restrictions and voided protest guidance near houses of worship.
• The new administration framed the blanket cancellation of late Adams-era executive orders as a reset, while longstanding tensions with President Donald Trump over federal support remain a looming test.