The Allegations
A Brooklyn public school teacher is facing major heat after a lawsuit alleged he praised a Hamas leader in a private chat. Damien Neva, 48, a teacher at PS 77, reportedly wrote “Long live Yahya al-Sinwar” in a Signal group chat back in November 2024.
Neva is a former fashion photographer who worked with big names like Karlie Kloss and Kate Upton before switching to education. The lawsuit, which centers on a conflict within the Park Slope Food Coop, claims Neva was a leader in a campaign to boycott Israeli goods. In the same group chat, he reportedly targeted Jewish and pro-Israel co-op members, writing, “That lot does not have the votes to block our campaign.”
Social Media Backlash
Beyond the chat, the lawsuit highlights Neva's past social media activity, which allegedly includes images of the Star of David painted over the Statue of Liberty and a post comparing Warsaw in 1944 to Palestine in 2024. The civil-rights group StopAntisemitism flagged the situation, questioning the safety of Jewish students in his classroom. When a reporter attempted to reach Neva at his home for comment, he called the police.
The Response
The Department of Education is feeling the pressure to act. Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, has publicly demanded that Neva be fired, arguing that anyone who views the architect of the Oct. 7 massacre as a hero has no business being in a classroom. A DOE representative stated that the agency has referred the matter for an investigation, emphasizing that antisemitism and support for terrorist organizations are strictly against their policies.
Why it matters
This is a major vibe check for the school district. With serious allegations regarding a teacher’s public support for a controversial figure, parents and officials are now debating whether he can remain in a position of authority. For students and families in Brooklyn, this case hits highkey hard—it’s about who is holding space in the classroom and whether that environment is actually safe for everyone.
