Brooklyn teacher investigated over alleged praise for Hamas leader al-Sinwar
A Brooklyn teacher is facing investigation after allegedly praising Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar in a Signal group chat. The allegations are significant given al-Sinwar's role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 kidnapped, raising concerns about the appropriateness of an educator holding such views.
Damien Neva, 48, teaches at PS 77 in Park Slope and allegedly wrote "Long live Yahya al-Sinwar" in the group chat filled with other anti-Israel members. The investigation follows reports from StopAntisemitism, which also alleges Neva has posted images including a crossed-out Israeli flag and comparisons between Warsaw 1944 and Palestine 2024. Al-Sinwar was killed in October 2024 whilst being pursued by Israeli forces.
- Brooklyn educator investigated for allegedly praising Hamas leader in group chat.
- Damien Neva allegedly wrote "Long live Yahya al-Sinwar" to colleagues.
- Al-Sinwar orchestrated October 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200.
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Yahya al-Sinwar was a senior leader of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 being taken captive, which triggered significant military operations and ongoing conflict in Gaza. Al-Sinwar was killed in October 2024 during military operations.
A teacher at a state school in Brooklyn is under investigation following allegations that he praised al-Sinwar in private online communications. The allegations have drawn attention given his role as an educator and the sensitivity surrounding discussions of Israel and Hamas, particularly following the October 7 attack.
The investigation reflects broader tensions about how educators express their political views, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It raises questions about what expressions are appropriate for school staff with responsibility for pupils.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Educators' private political expression warrants protection as free speech, even when expressing contested views about Palestinian figures. A private chat message should not trigger investigation without evidence of actual classroom misconduct, and doing so risks weaponising free speech protections against pro-Palestinian discourse. Whether al-Sinwar represented resistance or terrorism is itself a legitimately disputed question; singling out personal political expression appears selective.
The case against
Teachers hold positions of trust affecting students; praising a leader directly responsible for orchestrating attacks killing over 1,200 civilians raises legitimate professional concerns. The allegations describe a pattern of anti-Israel rhetoric suggesting ideological commitments that could reflect classroom bias affecting instruction and student experience. Professional standards reasonably preclude such conduct, making investigation of whether such commitments affect the classroom environment appropriate.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Washed-up fashion photographer’ turned teacher faces probe over claims he praised Hamas leader in woke Brooklyn group chat”.