NYC Teacher Accused of Posting Antisemitic Memes Online

A New York City public schools teacher has been accused of posting antisemitic memes on social media platforms. Maysa Jarara, a math teacher at Park Slope Collegiate, allegedly shared an image on Facebook that depicted Argentinian soccer star Lionel Messi with exaggerated features and a yarmulke, resembling antisemitic caricatures historically used in Nazi propaganda.

Jarara reportedly captioned the image, "The look on his face is priceless." This image is described as similar to an online meme known as "The Happy Merchant," which portrays Jewish people as greedy and scheming. According to Cyberwell, an online antisemitism watchdog, such conspiracy theories have circulated, suggesting Jewish individuals control FIFA and have manipulated Messi's career.

Moshé Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers, stated that Jarara "has crossed a major line by trafficking in classic antisemitic tropes that cast Jews as greedy and scheming."

In addition to the Messi meme, Jarara is also reported to have frequently shared anti-Israel posts on Instagram, including one showing the Israeli flag covered in blood. On the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Jarara posted an illustration depicting a person in a keffiyeh dancing with a woman in a hijab in front of a burning pile, with the caption, "And we love life and we can live it in a way."

Karen Feldman, president of the New York City Public Schools Alliance, expressed deep concern, stating, "We have a teacher who is entrusted with educating children publicly sharing inflammatory, biased, and historically misleading posts about Israel and the Jewish people."

The New York City Department of Education (DOE) has reported an increase in antisemitic incidents among its staff since the Oct. 7 attacks. The report cites other instances, including a history teacher who allegedly praised Hamas's Oct. 7 mastermind and a Brooklyn social studies teacher who hosted an antisemitic podcast. These incidents have led to thousands of Jewish families withdrawing their children from public schools, with a reported surge in enrollment at Jewish schools.

Jarara, who reportedly earned $140,000 in 2025, could not be reached for comment.