Brooklyn Teacher Praises Hamas Leader in Social Media Posts
A Brooklyn teacher praised Hamas terrorist Yahya al-Sinwar in a group chat, sparking controversy and calls for his removal.
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A New York City public school teacher has come under scrutiny after praising Hamas terrorist Yahya al-Sinwar in a group chat, according to recent reports. Damien Neva, 48, posted ‘Long live Yahya al-Sinwar’ in a Signal chat group in November 2024, just over a year after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and numerous kidnappings.
Coop Group Chat and Boycott Campaign
The post was uncovered during a lawsuit brought by Jewish members of the Park Slope Food Coop, a member-owned grocery store in Brooklyn. Neva, who led the campaign to boycott Israeli goods within the coop, had also posted, ‘That lot does not have the votes to block our campaign,’ referring to Jewish and pro-Israel members of the coop.
Previous Career and Social Media History
According to The New York Post, Neva was not a teacher by choice. He had previously worked as a photographer, videographer, and social-media director at Next Management, an elite modeling and talent agency that has represented celebrities like Jessica Alba and Pharrell Williams. Neva claimed in a deleted social media post that he became a teacher due to an ‘enforced career change.’
Anti-Semitic Posts and Criticism
His social media history has also drawn criticism. One post featured a Star of David over the Statue of Liberty, suggesting the U.S. is under Israel’s influence. Another showed a sticker with Israel being shredded. Jewish civil rights group Stop Antisemitism highlighted these posts, warning that Jewish students in his classroom could be at risk.
Call for Removal and Legal Action
Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Department of Education to remove Neva from his teaching position, arguing that someone who praised a Hamas terrorist should not be in a classroom.
Coop Lawsuit and Controversy
The coop’s boycott campaign led to a lawsuit, with Jewish members accusing the coop of violating its own mission statement by singling out ‘Zionists,’ Jewish members, and those with ties to Israel. The lawsuit alleges that anti-Israel members ignored bylaws and regulations to push their agenda, including suspending a member for wearing a pro-Israel shirt.
Source: Daily Wire
