On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Blakeman says Mamdani should reinstate working definition of antisemitism

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recognized International Holocaust Remembrance Day, standing with government and Jewish leaders while condemning New York City and state officials for not codifying the definition of antisemitism into law. 

Blakeman, who is running for governor, stood with the Israeli consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, to recognize the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp at Auschwitz and the systematic killing of more than 6 million Jews, including 1.5 million children, during the Holocaust.

"Today, we commemorate the darkest time in humanity, since God established man. And since man established the devil, we are talking about the massacre that the devil on Earth, the Third Reich, did to the Jewish people and others," Akunis said. "But my friend, we are witnessing a repetition of history, a rise of antisemitism, especially in Western Europe and unfortunately, in the United States."

He criticized protests of Israel, supporters of Palestinians and those who have not spoken out against other atrocities, including the recent uprising that has led to the deaths of 30,000 protesters in Iran.

Blakeman said Nassau County has adopted the working definition of antisemitism drafted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. He said former Democratic County Executive Laura Curran signed an executive order in 2021 recognizing the IHRA definition for the county's workplace anti-discrimination codes.  

According to the IHRA's working definition, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” 

Following his inauguration, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revoked an executive order drafted by his predecessor, Eric Adams, that was in support of the definition. 

"We believe that this is a disgrace. It's an injustice, and we are demanding that our elected officials adopt that definition," Blakeman said. "Here in Nassau County, we will remain vigilant in protecting all people of every race, religion, ethnic group, people of all abilities and lifestyles."

Blakeman said the county also reaffirmed support for legislation that targets the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.

Mamdani's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment over Blakeman's remarks. 

Mamdani has previously argued that criticizing actions by the Israeli government is distinct from antisemitism. Other groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, have called the definition overly broad.

Mamdani has maintained an anti-hate task force created by Adams under the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism.

Blakeman said Mamdani — who openly supports the BDS movement — "has an ax to grind against the Jewish people," describing his policy as antisemitic.

Blakeman also criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic state legislators for not fully adopting the definition under state education law.

In 2022, Hochul issued a proclamation embracing the IHRA definition. She has also proposed statewide legislation to create safety buffer zones for protesters away from houses of worship, her office said. The proposals are based on legislation to protect religious sites in other jurisdictions. The Nassau Legislature passed the Religious Safety Act in December, which requires that protesters be at least 35 feet from the entrance to a religious institution for the hour before a religious service and for an hour afterward. 

"Gov. Hochul was proud to issue a proclamation years ago embracing the IHRA definition as a tool to combat antisemitism," according to a statement by the governor's office Tuesday. "Since then, the Governor has implemented some of the most comprehensive measures to protect Jewish New Yorkers and stand up to antisemitism, and will continue her efforts to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers."

Blakeman said a bill for New York to adopt the definition has not advanced out of committee. Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne) introduced a bill last year to amend state education law with the IHRA definition. It was referred back to that body's Education Committee Jan. 7.

 Nassau County Legis. Mazi Pilip, a veteran in the Israeli Defense Paratrooper Brigade, said Israel has the right to defend its nation.

"Israel has the right and obligation to protect its people, and I want to make it very clear that is obligation of the government to protect our people," Pilip said. 

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.