New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faces controversy as one of his appointees resigns following the emergence of antisemitic posts. Catherine Almonte Da Costa, named director of appointments just days prior, stepped down after it was revealed she had tweeted in 2011 about “money-hungry Jews.”
Details of the Resignation
The resignation occurred a mere two weeks before Mamdani’s inauguration. Da Costa expressed her deep regret for her past comments, stating, “These statements are not indicative of who I am.” She noted her sadness as a mother of Jewish children over the harm her words had caused.
Mamdani’s Response
- Mamdani accepted Da Costa’s resignation shortly after their discussion.
- The mayor-elect’s transition team acknowledged her expressions of remorse.
This incident has raised questions about the vetting process for incoming administration hires. Political insiders are concerned over how Da Costa’s past could have been overlooked.
Challenges for Mamdani
Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York City and is navigating challenges related to his stance on antisemitism. Despite being a critic of Israel, he has affirmed his commitment to combating antisemitism within the city.
Community Reactions
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had concerns about Mamdani’s approach to antisemitism, emphasized that he disagreed with Da Costa’s past statements. He hinted at further discussion after reviewing the situation.
The Anti-Defamation League’s New York/New Jersey chapter condemned Da Costa’s tweets, labeling them as echoing traditional antisemitic tropes. They stated, “Tweeting about ‘money-hungry Jews’ is indefensible.”
Conclusion
The situation poses a significant distraction for Mamdani as he prepares to take office. With only a small selection of appointments made, including the retention of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, concerns about the effectiveness and thoroughness of the transition team’s vetting process have come to the forefront.
