U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has begun an oversight inquiry into New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's recent decisions concerning antisemitism policies in New York City. Cassidy raised concerns after Mamdani revoked executive orders that had adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and prohibited city officials from supporting boycotts or divestment efforts against Israel.
“Whatever somebody’s ideological background, if they’re in a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Clearly, antisemitism has been on the rise. We must respond to real dangers directed at Jewish students.”
Cassidy noted that these actions may increase risks for Jewish students and city employees by removing established protections. The IHRA definition has received bipartisan support and has been part of federal policy since 2019.
In a letter addressed to Mayor Mamdani, Cassidy wrote: “I write to you today to express serious concerns regarding your administration’s recent rescission of executive orders related to antisemitism and boycotts of Israel, and to seek clarification on your policy objectives and compliance with applicable federal civil rights requirements.”
He highlighted that New York City is home to about 1.77 million Jewish residents—about 9.1 percent of the state’s population—and emphasized the need for strong leadership against discrimination. Cassidy expressed concern over the revocation of executive orders intended to protect students and address antisemitism.
On January 1, 2026, Mamdani signed an executive order rescinding measures previously put in place by former Mayor Eric Adams. These included adopting the IHRA definition and barring officials from participating in boycott or divestment efforts against Israel.
Cassidy challenged Mamdani's public statements about concerns within some Jewish organizations regarding the IHRA definition by pointing out its wide recognition internationally and within the United States: “Contrary to your public assertions that ‘a number of leading Jewish organizations have immense concerns around [the IHRA] definition,’ many governments, international institutions, universities, NGOs, and private organizations widely recognize and encourage use of this definition to identify and address contemporary forms of antisemitism.”
As of February 2025, 1,266 entities worldwide had adopted the IHRA definition—including 46 countries such as the United States—and dozens of U.S. states and local governments.
Federal directives also require agencies like the Department of Education to consider this definition when enforcing civil rights protections related to antisemitism. Removing New York City's corresponding order could create conflicts with federal policies.
The New York City Department of Education operates the country’s largest public school system with $2.2 billion in federal funding as of June 2025. Continued access to these funds depends on compliance with federal civil rights laws.
Cassidy warned that “antisemitism is not an abstract concern in New York City; it is a lived reality for millions,” stressing that any move weakening safeguards for Jewish students deserves close scrutiny.
He requested written responses from Mayor Mamdani on several points by February 19, including how revoking these executive orders protects Jewish students; whether a new definition will be adopted; what actions are planned against antisemitism; consultation with federal agencies about funding implications; guidance issued for handling complaints; and views on whether boycott movements are considered antisemitic.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee works on legislation related to public health, education policy, workforce issues and retirement programs with oversight responsibilities over relevant federal laws and agencies such as FDA and NIH (source). Bill Cassidy serves as chair during the current Congress (source), influencing regulations affecting health and education nationwide (source).
For further updates from HELP Republicans visit their website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
