Political turmoil in New York: Mayor-elect Mamdani's pick faces fallout over past Antisemitic remarks
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 19, 2025, 23:08 IST
In a surprising turn of events, a prominent member of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's team, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, has chosen to resign. This decision follows the re-emergence of her past social media posts that contained antisemitic language, drawing attention from the Anti-Defamation League.
One of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s appointees has resigned after antisemitic social media posts from over a decade ago resurfaced. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, who was slated to lead the office of appointments, stepped down after the Anti-Defamation League shared tweets from 2011 and 2012 that featured antisemitic tropes. Mamdani has accepted her resignation.
Da Costa expressed deep regret for the posts, stating they are not indicative of who she is. She highlighted her role as the mother of Jewish children and her profound sadness and remorse for the harm her words have caused.
The Anti-Defamation League had shared three tweets from Da Costa that they said echoed classic antisemitic tropes and demeaned Jewish people. The organization declined to comment following Da Costa’s resignation.
Da Costa was selected to lead Mamdani's office of appointments, focusing on talent recruitment strategy. She had previously worked in the office more than ten years ago and more recently held positions at a private communications firm and Sotheby’s.
Mamdani confirmed his acceptance of her resignation.
“Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted,” Mamdani said.
The Anti-Defamation League announced a new tool after Mamdani's election in November to track and monitor policies and personnel hired by the mayor-elect. Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israel.
Mamdani, who takes office next month, has faced significant pressure to demonstrate that his opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza does not equate to antisemitism. During his campaign, he drew criticism for not condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” although he has since stated he discourages its use.
“These statements are not indicative of who I am. As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused,” Da Costa said.
Da Costa expressed deep regret for the posts, stating they are not indicative of who she is. She highlighted her role as the mother of Jewish children and her profound sadness and remorse for the harm her words have caused.
The Anti-Defamation League had shared three tweets from Da Costa that they said echoed classic antisemitic tropes and demeaned Jewish people. The organization declined to comment following Da Costa’s resignation.
Da Costa was selected to lead Mamdani's office of appointments, focusing on talent recruitment strategy. She had previously worked in the office more than ten years ago and more recently held positions at a private communications firm and Sotheby’s.
Mamdani confirmed his acceptance of her resignation.
“Catherine expressed her deep remorse over her past statements and tendered her resignation, and I accepted,” Mamdani said.
The Anti-Defamation League announced a new tool after Mamdani's election in November to track and monitor policies and personnel hired by the mayor-elect. Mamdani has been a vocal critic of Israel.
Mamdani, who takes office next month, has faced significant pressure to demonstrate that his opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza does not equate to antisemitism. During his campaign, he drew criticism for not condemning the phrase “globalize the intifada,” although he has since stated he discourages its use.
“These statements are not indicative of who I am. As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse at the harm these words have caused,” Da Costa said.