Why some pro-Palestine activists have turned their backs on Mamdani

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is arguably the most pro-Palestinian mayor in New York City's history. He campaigned heavily on the issue of Palestine, repeatedly condemning Israel and labelling its war on Gaza a genocide. Once in office, he used his power to rescind two pro-Israel executive orders imposed by his predecessor, Eric Adams. The first was New York City's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, which critics say conflates criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism. The second executive order he rescinded prohibited New York City employees from participating in the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which, according to the campaign, "works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians". Read more: Why some pro-Palestine activists have turned their backs on Mamdani New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Mayor Zohran Mamdani attend a ceremony at the NYPD Memorial Wall on 13 October 2026 in New York City (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images via AFP)