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Mamdani Faces New Scrutiny Over Appointee's Antisemitic Posts
177D AGOLOCALNYC MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANISOCIAL JUSTICE

Mamdani Faces New Scrutiny Over Appointee's Antisemitic Posts

What's the gist?

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's choice to lead city hiring, Catherine Almonte Da Costa, posted antisemitic comments about "money hungry Jews" years ago. The discovery adds to growing concerns about Mamdani's commitment to fighting antisemitism as he prepares to take office January 1.

Context

Mamdani announced Da Costa as his director of appointments on December 17. Days later, journalists uncovered her 2011-2012 social media posts referring to "rich Jewish peeps" and calling a subway line "the Jew train." The Anti-Defamation League demanded explanations from Mamdani's team.

Positive takes

Standing Behind Second Chances. Mamdani's willingness to hire someone who has grown beyond past mistakes shows he values people's capacity to change. By keeping Da Costa after the controversy broke, he demonstrates that decade-old comments from someone's youth shouldn't permanently disqualify them from public service.
Clear Standards Despite Pressure. Mamdani's spokesperson immediately called the comments "unacceptable" and said they don't represent the administration's values. This quick, unambiguous response shows he understands the seriousness of antisemitism even when it involves someone on his own team.
Focusing on Qualifications. Mamdani selected Da Costa for her extensive government and private sector experience to handle 71,000 job applications. His choice prioritizes professional skills and commitment to working-class New Yorkers over demanding perfect social media histories from years ago.

Negative takes

Pattern of Poor Judgment. Da Costa represents the latest controversial pick in Mamdani's transition, following appointments of figures with ties to antisemitic rhetoric. The pattern suggests either weak vetting processes or a troubling indifference to how these choices alarm Jewish community leaders.
Actions Contradict Words. Mamdani repeatedly promised during his campaign to combat antisemitism and keep Jewish New Yorkers safe. Appointing someone who trafficked in classic antisemitic stereotypes—without apparently knowing about it beforehand—undermines those promises before he even takes office.
No Accountability Shown. While Mamdani's team issued a bland statement calling the posts "unacceptable," he hasn't personally addressed the situation or explained how someone with such easily discoverable comments made it through his vetting. His silence suggests he hopes the controversy will simply blow over.