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NEWSru IsraelWorld

US Activist Posing as Palestinian Revealed as Jewish

Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba

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Russian · 9 newsrooms covering

Hanna Goun, a US activist who claimed Palestinian and African American roots, has been revealed as Jewish. She admitted to lying about her identity and organizing anti-Israel events, prompting condemnation from Palestinian groups.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Activist Hanna Goun admitted to falsely claiming Palestinian heritage.
  • She identified herself as Jewish with relatives in Israel.
  • Goun was a prominent organizer of anti-Israel demonstrations.
  • Other activists exposed her alleged deception.
  • She is compared to Rachel Dolezal, who falsely claimed Black identity.

Hanna Goun, an American activist who presented herself as having Palestinian and African American heritage, has been exposed as Jewish. The New York Post reported that Goun admitted, "I am a privileged, wealthy white woman. For many years, I lied about my identity. I have no Palestinian or Tunisian heritage. Those who supported me were victims of manipulation. They are not to blame." Goun, a teacher, was a prominent figure in Philadelphia's "anti-Zionist" movement, organizing anti-Israel demonstrations, including on college campuses. She had even been labeled "Philadelphia's top antisemite." However, former university classmates recalled her not hiding her Jewish background during her studies, mentioning relatives living in Judea and Samaria. Other left-wing activists reportedly first doubted her claims and demanded clarification. The Philadelphia Palestinian Coalition distanced itself from her, stating, "It is deeply concerning that such a liar and manipulator had access to vulnerable children, primarily Black children." According to the report, Goun also solicited donations, claiming to send her own money to "Palestine." This incident echoes the 2015 case of Rachel Dolezal, an African American activist revealed to be white, who used makeup, wigs, and tanning to appear Black, causing significant public outcry.

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