NYC Nurse Fired After Viral Antisemitic Tirade in Times Square

Jennifer Kooning's background includes a 'propaganda trip' to Iran and appearances on Iranian state media

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A cinematic painting of an empty Times Square at dusk, with a single figure standing alone in the warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the quiet isolation and unease of the moment.A solitary figure stands alone in the shadows of a deserted Times Square, a stark contrast to the viral video that exposed the deep divisions and rising tensions in the heart of New York City.NYC Today

Jennifer Kooning, a New York City mental health nurse, went viral for a vile antisemitic attack on a group of Israeli men in Times Square. After the video spread online, it was revealed that Kooning had previously traveled to Iran and appeared on Iranian state media, where she pushed propaganda for the regime. Kooning was quickly fired from her job at Inspire Mental Health Services following the incident.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing problem of antisemitism in the United States, particularly the spread of anti-Israel rhetoric that can lead to harassment and violence against Jewish individuals. Kooning's ties to Iranian propaganda also raise concerns about the influence of foreign actors in stoking domestic tensions.

The details

In the viral video, Kooning can be seen berating a group of Israeli men in Times Square, calling them 'baby-killers' and 'terrorists.' A bystander dressed as Spiderman had to intervene and tell Kooning to leave the men alone. Further investigation revealed that Kooning had previously traveled to Iran, where she appeared on Iranian state media and toured the country's National Aerospace Park, acting as an apologist for the Iranian regime.

  • On April 6, 2026, the viral video of Kooning's antisemitic tirade in Times Square surfaced online.
  • In July 2025, Kooning appeared in a video posted by the Iranian state-run Sobh Festival, praising the 'beauty' of Iran and criticizing the 'negative messaging and propaganda' about the country in the United States.
  • Kooning was fired from her job at Inspire Mental Health Services in New York City shortly after the Times Square video went viral.

The players

Jennifer Kooning

A 35-year-old mental health nurse in New York City who went viral for an antisemitic tirade in Times Square and has a history of appearing on Iranian state media to promote propaganda for the regime.

Inspire Mental Health Services

The New York City-based mental health services organization that employed Kooning and fired her after the Times Square incident.

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What they’re saying

“Living in the United States we're constantly inundated with negative messaging and propaganda about places like Iran and how evil they are... I live in New York City and the roads are terrible, we have potholes... we have crumbling bridges, crumbling infrastructure, no public services.”

— Jennifer Kooning

What’s next

Authorities are investigating whether Kooning's actions in Times Square constitute a hate crime, and the incident has sparked renewed calls for addressing the rise of antisemitism in the United States.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangerous intersection of mental health issues, foreign propaganda, and the spread of antisemitism in the United States. It underscores the need for greater awareness, education, and action to combat the normalization of hate speech and violence against Jewish individuals and communities.