A Philadelphia high school teacher widely known for her outspoken activism on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has admitted to falsely claiming Palestinian and other nonwhite ethnic identities. Hannah Gann, affiliated with the Workshop School in Philadelphia, acknowledged fabricating her heritage after members of the political group Philly Educators for Palestine confronted her last week.
The group, which counted Ms. Gann among its members, issued a statement describing their shock and disappointment at the revelation. They said she had misrepresented herself as Palestinian, Tunisian, and Black "at various times," and confirmed her true background as a white woman of Jewish heritage from an Israeli settler family. In response, the group severed ties and called on her to publicly acknowledge her real identity.
On social media, Ms. Gann admitted to lying about her ethnicity for years, describing herself as “a white woman of significant privilege and wealth” without directly addressing her religion or family background. In a lengthy Instagram video posted Sunday, she expressed remorse, saying she felt "shame and sorrow and regret" for betraying the trust of fellow activists. Ms. Gann also noted that her actions had fueled anger within activist circles and warned that critics were exploiting her mistakes to justify “supremacist ideologies, imperial terror and genocidal violence.” She did not respond to requests for further comment, and her family could not be reached.
Ms. Gann’s activism had been a defining part of her career. She was known for organizing teach-ins about Gaza, mentoring Black students, and advocating for educators’ right to speak on political issues. Her vocal stance on Israel led to public backlash, including a campaign by the group Accuracy in Media that labeled her “Philadelphia’s leading antisemite” on a billboard outside her school.
She previously gave interviews to progressive media outlets in Philadelphia, linking her political activism to observations about the impact of school closures on students and criticizing what she described as “moneyed interests” supporting imperialism, an apparent reference to Israel. In those interviews, she implied a nonwhite identity by contrasting disciplinary treatment of teachers based on race.
An undated biography posted by a criminal defense group listed Ms. Gann as having taught in Rwanda before relocating to Philadelphia, and noted connections to the Unitarian church and involvement with communities affected by the criminal justice system. A 2024 article described her as having “extended family in Palestine-Israel” and pictured her wearing a shirt promoting teaching about Palestine, Black history, and ethnic studies.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about identity in progressive political movements. Some critics said Ms. Gann’s fabrications reinforced negative stereotypes of affluent, white activists posing as marginalized individuals. Comparisons were drawn to Rachel Dolezal, a former N.A.A.C.P. chapter president who similarly misrepresented her racial background.
Philly Educators for Palestine acknowledged the emotional toll involved in uncovering the truth, particularly the efforts of Palestinian and Black women within the group, emphasizing that their work and the harm endured should not be overlooked.
In her public apology, Ms. Gann stated she does not “seek forgiveness I do not deserve,” adding that her video “is pathetic and not nearly enough” to address the damage caused. The Philadelphia school district declined to comment on the case but noted it is providing support to staff and students at the Workshop School as needed.