NYC Mayor Eric Adams Visits Israel Before Mamdani Takes Office

New York City Mayor Eric Adams departed for Israel on Saturday, November 15, in a final overseas visit before concluding his term in office. The trip, which includes meetings with Israeli officials and leaders in tech and economic development, comes as Adams prepares to hand over leadership to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the coming weeks.

The mayor’s office announced that Adams will also tour religious sites and hold discussions centered on the rising tide of antisemitism in New York and around the world.

This visit builds on Adams’ earlier meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September, following Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly. During that encounter, Adams reaffirmed his administration’s solidarity with Israel.

“As the mayor of the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, I must remain steadfast in our support for Israel, its right to defend itself, eliminate Hamas, and bring every single one of their hostages home,” Adams said. “At a time when much of the world is turning its back on the Jewish State of Israel, New York will not.”

Throughout his term, Adams has taken notable steps to combat antisemitism. In June, he signed a groundbreaking executive order adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. Speaking at Tribeca Synagogue, he condemned the normalization of Jew-hatred in public discourse.

“Antisemitism is a vile disease that’s been spreading across our nation and our city,” Adams said. “Since Hamas’ terror attacks on October 7, 2023, we have seen this hateful rhetoric become normalized on our campuses, in our communities, and online.” He urged the City Council to codify the IHRA definition into law and strengthen measures to fight antisemitism wherever it appears.

With his term nearing its end, Adams’ visit to Israel serves as a powerful final statement on his administration’s values. In a global climate where support for the Jewish state is increasingly challenged, Adams chose to stand visibly and vocally alongside Israel.

His successor, Mayor-elect Mamdani, has drawn controversy for his antagonistic stance toward Israel, including remarks suggesting he would attempt to arrest Israeli leaders visiting the city a dramatic departure from the policy of engagement and solidarity upheld by Adams.

As New York transitions to a new administration, Adams’ visit reminds both allies and adversaries that standing with Israel remains a cornerstone of moral clarity.

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