A Brooklyn public school teacher is under investigation by New York City education authorities following reports that he praised a Hamas leader responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. Damien Neva, 48, a former fashion photographer turned educator at PS 77 in Park Slope, allegedly made the statement “Long live Yahya al-Sinwar” in a private group chat, according to a recent legal filing connected to the Park Slope Food Coop.
The lawsuit, filed last week by Jewish members of the cooperative, highlights Neva’s comments within an online Signal group composed of individuals described as anti-Israel. The filing portrays Neva as a prominent figure in the Israeli boycott movement and includes his remark that “that lot does not have the votes to block our campaign,” referring to pro-Israel and Jewish members of the co-op. The lawsuit was prompted by a board decision to ban Israeli products from the food cooperative following prolonged disputes within the community.
Neva’s career trajectory includes a shift from the fashion industry to public education. He began teaching at PS 77 earlier this year after what he described in a now-deleted social media post as an “enforced career change.” Prior to becoming an educator, Neva worked as a photographer, videographer, and social media director for Next Management, representing high-profile models such as Karlie Kloss and Kate Upton. He also had stints at Ford modeling agency and Calvin Klein, offering social media advice to models during interviews with industry outlets.
In addition to the comments cited in the lawsuit, Neva’s social media activity has included imagery and posts critical of Israel. Among them are a sticker depicting Israel being shredded, an altered image of the Statue of Liberty with the Star of David painted over it, and a post drawing a comparison between Warsaw in 1944 and Palestine in 2024.
Efforts to reach Neva for comment were unsuccessful. When approached at his Brooklyn residence, Neva reportedly contacted law enforcement rather than respond to inquiries.
City education officials have confirmed they are reviewing the matter, although no formal statement has been issued regarding potential disciplinary actions. The incident underscores ongoing tensions within local communities over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raises questions about the boundaries between personal political expressions and professional responsibilities in public education settings.