"Crossed a Red Line": Teacher in the US Shared an Anti-Semitic Cartoon About Messi

A math teacher from Brooklyn posted an anti-Semitic cartoon of Lionel Messi, reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. The illustration drew condemnation from Jewish organizations.

A math teacher at a school in Brooklyn, New York, named Maissa Jarara, posted an anti-Semitic cartoon of soccer player Lionel Messi on Facebook several months ago. The illustration depicts Messi with an oversized nose, wearing a kippah, crying, and rubbing his hands—features reminiscent of Nazi propaganda and the anti-Semitic cartoon 'The Happy Merchant.' Next to the image, the teacher wrote: 'The expression on his face is worth it all.' The post came amid anti-Semitic conspiracy theories previously spread about Messi. Additionally, on the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, the teacher posted an illustration of a man wearing a keffiyeh dancing with a woman in a hijab in front of a burning pile, and shared messages defaming Israel. Her posts drew condemnation from Jewish organizations. Moshe Safran, president of the United Jewish Teachers organization, said the teacher 'crossed a significant red line.' Karen Feldman, president of the New York City Public Schools Alliance, added that it is 'very disturbing' for a teacher to share inciting posts.

"Crossed a Red Line": Teacher in the US Shared an Anti-Semitic Cartoon About Messi