India, Jan. 3 -- NYC's newly sworn-in mayor, Zohran Mamdani, triggered controversy within hours of taking office. His decision to revoke key executive orders related to Israel and antisemitism drew sharp criticism from Israel's leadership, which accused him of encouraging antisemitism.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said his actions amounted to 'antisemitic gasoline on an open fire', a phrase shared widely on social media and diplomatic channels. Critics in Israel and some Jewish community leaders argue that reversing those policies weakens the tools used to define and fight antisemitism.

Israel's accusation is not based on a single statement by Mamdani. It is rooted in concern that his actions signal a broader rejection of how antisemitism ...