A New York City public school teacher has drawn criticism after posting antisemitic images on social media, including caricatures of soccer star Lionel Messi that resemble Nazi-era propaganda. Maysa Jarara, a math teacher at Park Slope Collegiate, shared an image on July 19 on Facebook under the name “Maysa” depicting Messi with exaggerated features such as a large nose and wearing a yarmulke. The image is said to evoke “The Happy Merchant,” a well-known antisemitic meme portraying Jews in a stereotypical and offensive manner.

Messi, who visited Israel on a “peace tour” in 2013, has been the subject of various antisemitic conspiracy theories, including claims that Jewish figures control international soccer organizations and have manipulated his career. Jarara has also posted other content critical of Israel, including an image of the Israeli flag marked with blood.

The posts have prompted condemnation from members of the Jewish community. Moshe Sperm, president of the United Jewish Teachers, stated that Jarara “has crossed a major line by trafficking in classic antisemitic tropes.” The posts have sparked wider concern over the presence of hate speech within educational environments.

Attempts to contact Jarara for comment were unsuccessful. The New York City Department of Education has not yet issued an official response to the postings. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the use of social media by educators and the responsibilities they hold in shaping inclusive environments free from hate.