NYC Teacher Investigated After Alleged Terror Support

Education officials are reviewing claims that a Brooklyn teacher praised a former Hamas leader in a group chat.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Terrorism

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric architectural facade, conveying the institutional gravity of an official school district investigation. — The New York City Department of Education is investigating a Brooklyn teacher following allegations that he expressed support for Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York City Department of Education has launched an investigation into Damien Neva, a teacher at PS 77 in Brooklyn. The inquiry follows allegations that Neva expressed support for Yahya al-Sinwar in a private group chat.

Why it matters

Public school officials initiated the review after reports surfaced that a staff member allegedly endorsed a leader of the terrorist organization responsible for the October 2023 attacks in Israel.

The New York City Department of Education has officially referred the allegations against 48-year-old Damien Neva for a formal investigation. The inquiry follows a lawsuit filed by members of the Park Slope Food Coop regarding internal group messages.

The players

Damien Neva

He is a teacher at PS 77 in Brooklyn currently under investigation by the New York City Department of Education.

New York City Department of Education

This is the city agency responsible for overseeing public schools and conducting investigations into teacher conduct.

Park Slope Food Coop

This is a member-owned grocery organization in Brooklyn whose members filed a lawsuit that brought the teacher's messages to light.

The details

The allegations emerged in a lawsuit filed by Jewish members of the Park Slope Food Coop, an organization that previously voted to ban Israeli goods. The complaint specifically cites a November 2024 Signal message in which Neva allegedly wrote, "Long live Yahya al-Sinwar," one month after the Hamas leader was killed.

October 7, 2023: The Hamas attack occurred in Israel.
October 2024: Yahya al-Sinwar was killed.
November 2024: Neva allegedly posted praise for Sinwar.
Late September 2026: Jewish members of the coop filed a lawsuit.
October 5, 2026: The article detailing the investigation was published.

Legal Context

This investigation follows the procedural mandates of the Chancellor's Regulations regarding staff conduct and potential disciplinary actions. Recent scrutiny of public school employees has increased as city agencies navigate internal complaints related to global political tensions.

This case highlights the ongoing monitoring of school district personnel following reports of controversial or extremist statements. Local families may see increased attention to the professional standards enforced by the Department of Education regarding teacher communication.

The takeaway

The New York City Department of Education maintains strict internal policies regarding staff conduct and public statements. Residents are encouraged to report concerns directly to school administration when teacher behavior violates city standards.