US Activist Posing as Palestinian Revealed as Jewish

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.