Highlights:
- Appointee resigned after antisemitic posts from 2011–12 resurfaced
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani accepted the resignation and apology
- Posts were shared publicly by the Anti-Defamation League
- Incident adds pressure on Mamdani amid antisemitism concerns
- Mamdani takes office as New York City mayor next month
One of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s recent appointees has stepped down after antisemitic social media posts she wrote more than a decade ago resurfaced online, raising fresh controversy for the incoming administration.
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, who had been selected earlier this week to join Mamdani’s team, resigned after posts she made in 2011 and 2012 were highlighted by the Anti-Defamation League, a leading Jewish advocacy organization. Mamdani’s office confirmed on Thursday that her resignation had been accepted.
In a public statement, Da Costa expressed regret for the posts and apologized for the harm they caused. She said the comments did not reflect who she is today and acknowledged their impact, particularly on the Jewish community.
“These statements are not indicative of who I am,” Da Costa said. “As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused.”
Da Costa had been appointed to lead Mamdani’s office of appointments, a role responsible for shaping talent recruitment and staffing strategy within the new administration. According to Mamdani’s office, she previously worked in the same office more than a decade ago and later held positions at a private communications firm and at the auction house Sotheby’s.
Mayor-elect Mamdani, who won the November election and is set to take office next month, confirmed that he accepted Da Costa’s resignation. In a brief statement, he said she had expressed deep remorse for her past statements and chose to step aside.
The Anti-Defamation League declined to comment following Da Costa’s resignation. Earlier, the organization had shared three of her old posts, stating that they echoed classic antisemitic stereotypes and demeaned Jewish people.
Following Mamdani’s election victory, the ADL announced it would introduce a new tool to track and monitor policies and personnel associated with the incoming mayor. Mamdani has drawn national attention for his outspoken criticism of Israel, particularly its military actions in Gaza.
The resignation comes at a sensitive moment for Mamdani, who has faced ongoing pressure to clearly separate his criticism of Israeli government policies from antisemitism. During his campaign, he was criticized for refusing to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many Jewish groups view as inflammatory. Mamdani has since said he discourages people from using the phrase.
As Mamdani prepares to assume office, the episode highlights the scrutiny his administration is likely to face, particularly on issues related to antisemitism, public accountability, and leadership standards. For both American and Indian observers, the incident underscores how past online activity can resurface years later and carry serious consequences in public life.
