Top Mamdani appointee dramatically quits after antisemitic posts resurface
3 minute readPublished: Friday, December 19, 2025 at 1:31 am
Top Mamdani Appointee Resigns Amidst Antisemitic Social Media Posts
New York City's incoming mayoral administration is facing a setback as a key appointee has resigned following the surfacing of antisemitic social media posts. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, who was slated to serve as the director of appointments under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, stepped down on Thursday.
The resignation came after the Anti-Defamation League of New York/New Jersey raised concerns about Da Costa's past online activity. Reports indicate that the posts, made between 2011 and 2012 on a now-deleted X account, contained antisemitic remarks. These included references to "money hungry Jews," "rich Jewish peeps," and a derogatory term for a Far Rockaway train.
The ADL condemned the posts, stating they echoed classic antisemitic tropes and demeaned Jewish people. Da Costa, in a statement to the Judge Street Journal, expressed deep regret for her past statements and emphasized that they did not reflect her current views. She cited her role as a mother of Jewish children and the harm caused by her words as reasons for her remorse. She also stated that she offered her resignation to avoid distracting from the work at hand.
Mayor-elect Mamdani accepted Da Costa's resignation, acknowledging her remorse. Da Costa previously worked on the census team for former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration. The resignation comes just weeks before Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in as mayor.
BNN's Perspective:
This situation highlights the importance of thorough vetting processes for public appointments. While individuals can change and grow, past statements, especially those reflecting prejudice, raise legitimate concerns. The swift action taken by Da Costa and Mamdani to address the issue is a positive step, but the incident underscores the need for vigilance against all forms of hate speech.
Keywords: Zohran Mamdani, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, antisemitism, resignation, social media, posts, ADL, New York City, mayor, appointments, Jewish, prejudice, hate speech