NEW YORK (Diya TV) — New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team faced fresh scrutiny this week after his newly appointed director of appointments resigned just one day into the job. The resignation followed the resurfacing of decade-old social media posts that repeated antisemitic tropes and sparked swift backlash.

Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down hours after the posts gained public attention. The controversy has raised questions about the transition’s vetting process and renewed tensions between Mamdani and Jewish communities across the city.

Da Costa resigned after past comments from her social media accounts spread online. The posts, written when she was 19 and 20 years old, included phrases such as “Money hungry Jews smh” and references to coworkers as “rich Jewish peeps.” Another post described a subway line as “the Jew train.” 

The Judge Street Journal first reported the posts. Da Costa later deleted her X account as criticism mounted. In a statement released the same day, Da Costa expressed regret and acknowledged the harm caused by her words.

“As the mother of Jewish children, I feel a profound sense of sadness and remorse,” she said. “These comments have become a distraction from the work at hand. I have offered my resignation.”

Mamdani accepted her resignation within hours.

The mayor-elect addressed the issue in a brief statement. He said Da Costa expressed deep remorse and apologized directly to him.

“I accepted her resignation,” Mamdani said. “There is no place for antisemitism in our administration.”

The swift response did little to quiet critics. Many questioned how the posts escaped notice during the hiring process. The director of appointments holds significant influence and often draws intense public scrutiny.

The Anti-Defamation League’s New York and New Jersey chapter condemned the comments and called for accountability.

“Tweeting about ‘Money hungry Jews’ is indefensible,” the group wrote on social media. The organization noted that the language echoed long-standing antisemitic stereotypes.

The ADL also said the issue required explanation from both Da Costa and the mayor-elect. The group has had a strained relationship with Mamdani due to past disagreements over his criticism of Israel and his refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada.”

Jewish leaders across the city echoed those concerns. Several said the incident deepened distrust at a time when the incoming administration needs to build bridges.

The resignation has focused attention on Mamdani’s transition team and its screening practices. Observers questioned how such posts remained undiscovered during background checks. Transition officials said they were unaware of the posts at the time of Da Costa’s appointment. Critics described the lapse as avoidable, given the visibility of the role and the heightened scrutiny surrounding the new administration.

Political analysts said the controversy could complicate Mamdani’s early efforts to set a unifying tone. His campaign faced strong opposition in several Jewish neighborhoods during the election.

Da Costa also faced criticism for unrelated posts about power and access in government. In a 2019 message, she questioned whether opening doors for one’s own community should count as nepotism. She framed the issue as an effort to “level the playing field.” The post resurfaced alongside the antisemitic comments and fueled debate about her views on race, privilege, and governance.

Da Costa, who was born in the Dominican Republic, did not address that post directly in her resignation statement. The episode marks an early setback for Mamdani as he prepares to take office. It underscores the challenges facing his administration as it seeks to rebuild trust with communities that remain wary of his leadership.

Political observers said the incident highlights the importance of thorough vetting and clear messaging. They also warned that similar controversies could overshadow policy goals if not handled swiftly.

For now, Mamdani must fill a key position while managing fallout from a controversy that emerged before his first day in office.