The New York City Department of Education says it is investigating allegations against a Park Slope elementary school teacher for words supporting former Hamas leader, as reported by News12 Brooklyn.
The allegations came from Jewish members of the Park Slope Food Co-op, when they challenged the co-op’s ban on Israeli goods.
The lawsuit alleges that Damien Neva, a teacher at P.S. 77 in Park Slope, posted a message in a Signal group chat that said “Long live Yahya al-Sinwar,” referring to the Hamas leader accused of leading the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, said he supports the right to differing viewpoints about the war in Gaza, but that praising violence crosses a line.
“Educators are supposed to be people who allow students to walk into their classroom every day feeling safe,” Spern said. “How can anyone feel safe around someone who supports terrorism?”
In a statement, a Department of Education spokesperson said the agency was “committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for every student and member of our school community. This allegation has been reported and deferred for investigation, in accordance with Chancellor’s Regulations.”
News12 reported that while many have called for Neva’s dismissal, information remains unconfirmed as to when he was last at the school or how long he has been employed there.
“It’s not comfortable to be Jewish right now in the New York City schools,” Spern said. “There are parents and students who don’t feel safe.”
The incident arose just before the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, where approximately 1,200 people were killed in Israel.
Spern told News12 that he hopes the focus going forward remains combating hate and ensuring that students at school feel safe and secure.
