Brief
NYC teacher shares antisemitic Lionel Messi meme on social media
Park Slope math teacher Maysa Jarara posted a caricature of Messi that echoes Nazi‑era propaganda, sparking criticism from the United Jewish Teachers Association.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A New York City public‑school teacher posted an antisemitic meme featuring Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi on July 19, according to the New York Post.
What happened
Math teacher Maysa Jarara, who teaches at Park Slope Collegiate, shared the image on Facebook under the name “Maysa.” The picture shows a crying Messi with an exaggerated nose, a yarmulke and a caption reading, “The look on his face is priceless.” The meme mirrors the notorious “Happy Merchant” antisemitic image.
What the reports add
The Post notes that the meme aligns with conspiracy theories that claim Jews control FIFA and have advanced Messi’s career, a claim tracked by the antisemitism watchdog Cyberwell. It also mentions that Jarara has a history of posting anti‑Israel content, including an illustration of a keffiyeh‑clad man dancing with a hijab‑wearing woman in front of a burning pile on the three‑year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
What was said
United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern said, “Jarara has crossed a major line by trafficking in classic antisemitic tropes that cast Jews as greedy and scheming.” New York City Public Schools Alliance President Karen Feldman called the posts “deeply disturbing” and said they undermine the trust placed in teachers.
How it came about
Antisemitic incidents in NYC schools have risen since the Oct. 7 attacks, with several teachers previously disciplined for similar conduct. The Post links the controversy to broader tensions highlighted in recent Felo News coverage of student protests against Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s remarks on Israel and the city’s heightened security concerns.
Key facts
- Park Slope Collegiate math teacher Maysa Jarara posted an antisemitic meme of Lionel Messi on July 19. (nypost.com)
- The meme depicts Messi with a large nose, yarmulke and caption "The look on his face is priceless." (nypost.com)
- United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern condemned the post as trafficking in classic antisemitic tropes. (nypost.com)
- NYC Public Schools Alliance President Karen Feldman called the teacher's posts deeply disturbing. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “NYC teacher posts antisemitic meme of Lionel Messi”
