“Long live Yahya al-Sinwar,” Neva wrote, according to the complaint.
By Shula Rosen
New York City education officials are investigating Damien Neva, a P.S. 77 teacher in Park Slope, after a lawsuit accused him of expressing support for Hamas leader and Oct. 7 massacre architect Yahya Sinwar while campaigning for a boycott of Israeli goods.
Jewish members of the Park Slope Food Co-op named Neva in a lawsuit contesting the co-op’s ban on Israeli products.
Their complaint cites comments attributed to him in a Signal group chat and alleges that he was heavily involved in efforts to enact the boycott.
Among the messages cited in the lawsuit is Neva’s praise for Sinwar, who was eliminated by Israeli forces.
“Long live Yahya al-Sinwar,” Neva wrote, according to the complaint.
The allegations have now prompted a review by the New York City Department of Education.
“This allegation has been reported and referred for investigation, in accordance with Chancellor’s Regulations,” a US Education Department representative told the outlet.
City education officials separately condemned both antisemitism and expressions of support for terrorist groups.
“Antisemitism and support for terrorist organizations have absolutely no place in our school system,” a Department of Education spokesperson said.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for every student and member of our school community.”
Neva teaches at P.S. 77, an elementary school in Park Slope. The accusations against him surfaced as part of the Jewish co-op members’ broader legal challenge to the Park Slope Food Co-op’s decision to prohibit Israeli goods.
The lawsuit links Neva to the campaign behind that policy and points to his Signal messages as part of its allegations concerning the boycott effort.
Education officials have confirmed that Neva’s alleged conduct is under investigation but have not announced any disciplinary measures. It remains unclear whether the inquiry will result in action against him.
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