The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has raised serious concerns about the composition of New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani’s transition team, stating that more than 20 per cent of appointees have a documented history of antisemitic or extremist activity. The organisation warned that shortcomings in vetting could affect the safety and security of the city’s Jewish community, reports Israel National News.
In a detailed report, the ADL said it reviewed transition committee appointments, public statements, and early policy signals from the incoming administration. It concluded that a significant number of individuals appointed to advisory roles have previously engaged in antisemitic rhetoric, anti-Zionist activism, or activities linked to extremist groups. According to the ADL, these findings raise concerns about whether appropriate standards were applied during the vetting process.
One of the most prominent cases cited in the report involved Catherine Almonte Da Costa, who was appointed Director of Appointments on December 17. The ADL identified antisemitic social media posts she made between 2011 and 2012, including references to “money-hungry Jews” and other classic antisemitic stereotypes. The organisation described the posts as “indefensible.” Da Costa resigned the following day, less than 24 hours after the findings became public. Mamdani later acknowledged the issue and said his team was revising its vetting procedures, stressing that the incoming administration would operate under a “standard of excellence” and accountability.
The ADL also reviewed the broader transition structure announced on November 24, when Mamdani named more than 400 people to serve on 17 transition committees responsible for staffing and policy development. The report states that at least one in five of those appointees have a history of antisemitic, anti-Zionist, or anti-Israel rhetoric, or have links to organisations promoting such views.
According to the ADL, the documented behaviour includes spreading classic antisemitic tropes, delegitimising Jewish self-determination, undermining the legitimacy of the State of Israel, expressing support for Hamas and its October 7 terror attack, and justifying or celebrating violence against Jews. The organisation emphasised that it distinguishes between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and antisemitism.
The report further noted that several appointees were involved in or publicly supported anti-Israel campus encampments during the spring of 2024. The ADL said these protests coincided with a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents and, in some cases, included demands that undermined Jewish student life. At least five appointees reportedly attended such encampments, while others defended them and dismissed concerns about antisemitism despite the presence of pro-terror slogans and calls for violence.
The ADL also highlighted connections between transition committee members and organisations such as Students for Justice in Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Within Our Lifetime. It said these groups have glorified Hamas’s October 7 attack, promoted the dismantling of Zionism, or led demonstrations that included antisemitic rhetoric and harassment of Jewish institutions.
In addition, the report identified at least four appointees with ties to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan or the organisation itself. The ADL noted Farrakhan’s long history of antisemitic statements and said some appointees have praised him, defended his rhetoric, or participated in Nation of Islam events.
While acknowledging that many transition appointees did not raise concerns and that at least 25 individuals have a record of supporting the Jewish community or working with ADL and partner organisations, the ADL said the overall composition of the transition teams raises serious questions. It argued that the number of problematic appointments appears inconsistent with Mamdani’s public commitments to prioritise Jewish safety.
The ADL also recognised that Mamdani has condemned antisemitic violence, including describing the December shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney as “a vile act of antisemitic terror,” and has met with Jewish leaders, including representatives of the Satmar community and the New York Board of Rabbis. Nevertheless, the organisation said it remains concerned and has asked the mayor-elect to clarify how vetting decisions were made and what standards will apply to permanent appointments. It said it will continue monitoring developments and assessing their impact on Jewish communal safety in New York City.
Photo credit: Liri Agami/Flash90
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