A swift and stunning downfall shook the incoming New York City mayoral administration as the newly appointed director of appointments resigned abruptly. Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down after a firestorm erupted over deeply troubling social media posts from over a decade ago.
The controversy began when the Anti-Defamation League of New York/New Jersey brought to light a series of online statements made between 2011 and 2012. These posts, discovered on a now-deleted account, contained explicitly antisemitic language and imagery.
Among the unearthed comments were references to “money hungry Jews” and “rich Jewish peeps,” alongside a particularly jarring label for a Far Rockaway train – derisively called “the Jew train.” The ADL swiftly condemned the posts, highlighting their reliance on long-standing, harmful antisemitic tropes.
The organization didn’t mince words, stating that tweeting about “money hungry Jews” was indefensible. They called for a clear explanation, not only from Da Costa herself but also from the mayor-elect, given the gravity of the situation.
Da Costa responded by deleting her account and offering her resignation to Zohran Mamdani. She expressed profound regret, stating the old posts did not reflect her current beliefs or values.
In a statement, Da Costa revealed a deeply personal connection to the Jewish community, explaining she is the mother of Jewish children. She conveyed a “profound sense of sadness and remorse” for the pain her words had caused, acknowledging they had become a distraction.
Mamdani swiftly accepted the resignation, acknowledging Da Costa’s remorse. He had previously positioned her role as crucial to attracting “top talent” to his administration, making the loss particularly significant.
This isn’t the only problematic content to surface. Additional posts revealed disparaging remarks directed toward the NYPD, including the inflammatory term “NYPD piggies.” These revelations further complicated the situation.
The resignation occurred less than two weeks before Mamdani is scheduled to take office, casting a shadow over the transition period. The incident underscores the intense scrutiny faced by public figures and the lasting impact of online activity.
The situation remains sensitive, with all parties involved declining to offer further comment at this time. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition and rebuilding trust within the community.
