Hanna Gann, a high school teacher in Philadelphia, has recently admitted to fabricating her racial and ethnic identity. Known for her pro-Palestinian activism, Gann had claimed various backgrounds, including Palestinian and Black. This revelation came following an interrogation by members of the Racial Justice Organising Committee (RJOC) and Philly Educators for Palestine (PEFP) during a meeting in September 2023.

After more than an hour of questioning, Gann acknowledged the deceit, stating she had misled those around her. In a statement issued on September 19, both activist groups stated they would no longer collaborate with her. They urged Gann to publicly recognise herself as a “white woman of Jewish heritage and an Israeli settler family.”

Community Impact and Previous Work

Hanna Gann was a prominent figure in Philadelphia’s pro-Palestinian narrative, particularly following the violent events in Gaza after October 7, 2023. Notably, she participated in a teach-in event in West Philadelphia that addressed issues related to education in conflict zones. At that time, she identified herself as a Palestinian American, furthering her influence within activist circles.

Gann had also defended another teacher, Keziah Ridgeway, who claimed she faced disciplinary actions for pro-Palestinian views on social media. Throughout her career, Gann was respected for mentoring disadvantaged Black students. However, her activism made her a target for pro-Israel groups, including a signage campaign labelling her as an “antisemite.”

Research conducted by the Philly Palestine Coalition revealed inconsistencies in Gann’s claims, particularly regarding her relatives in Palestine. Her assertions about a Palestinian grandfather were contradicted by historical documents indicating his birth in Baltimore, Maryland. Further inquiries found that Gann had solicited funds from individuals by claiming financial difficulties due to family needs in Palestine.

Admission and Community Reactions

On September 21, Gann addressed the uproar in a series of Instagram posts and a ten-minute video. She openly acknowledged her privileged background and expressed regret for concealing her true identity. In her remarks, Gann admitted to having misled friends and colleagues, declaring, “I hid the truth or outright lied about my background to everyone in my life.”

Gann argued that her deception should not reflect on the broader activism she contributed to. She implored viewers not to dismiss the legitimate voices advocating for Palestine due to her actions, claiming her intentions were sincere despite her falsehoods. Following the revelations, several Philadelphia activist organisations expressed their outrage and disappointment, stating that Gann’s deception harmed their community.

A statement from RJOC and PEFP highlighted the severe impact of her actions on Palestinians and the Black community, calling for an end to any collaborative efforts with her. Prominent educators noted the fallout from this incident, asserting that such deception would necessitate a recalibration of trust within these communities.

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