A wave of sexual misconduct accusations stirs controversy within the Global intifada movement, involving a well-known Jewish actor who stands against Israel and has been accused of fraud.
Jacob Berger, a Jewish American actor and self-proclaimed ally to the Palestinian-led activism movement, has found himself at the centre of a storm of controversy. The actor, who gained prominence within the anti-Israel scene, is now facing allegations of sexual harassment and exploiting the Palestinian cause for personal gain.
The accusations against Berger were first made by Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian-American activist and founder of the organisation Within Our Lifetime. In a nine-point allegation, Kiswani accused Berger of taking sponsorship deals, asking for donations nonstop, and monetizing every angle of his supposed activism. She also alleged that Berger exploited the cause for personal gain, bragging about a free apartment in Egypt while others worked.
Kiswani accused Berger of being a "failed OnlyFans creator" who rebranded as a "Palestine supporter." She further claimed that Berger harasses and fetishizes Arab women, creating unsafe spaces for female activists. Specific accusations include filming Palestinian children without family consent to fundraise, then blocking them when confronted.
These allegations sparked a significant backlash within the pro-Palestinian community, with multiple other women and activists coming forward to share similar stories of harassment. Berger responded by denying all claims, describing them as a personal vendetta originating from his interview with a podcast critical of Kiswani.
Kiswani's public accusation of Berger, a Jewish ally, has caused notable division within the movement and brought internal criticisms to light. As of the latest reports, no external high-profile supporters such as Rashida Tlaib or Bassem Youssef have publicly commented on the controversy.
Berger's activities within the activist community were not limited to fundraising. He has been seen standing somber-faced next to climate activist Greta Thunberg, promoting a "Freedom Flotilla" to "break the siege" in Gaza. He has also been a virtual rock star in the anti-Israel scene, publishing selfies with activist luminaries including Cornel West, Norman Finkelstein, and Rami Malek.
However, Berger's social media activity continues to raise eyebrows. He has posted sexually explicit content, including videos featuring scantily-clad women and inappropriate captions. Despite these allegations, Berger has denied Nerdeen Kiswani's claims in a video response.
Meanwhile, Kiswani's activist group, Within Our Lifetime, has established a "rally toolkit" and a "roadmap for successful rallies" on their website. However, their website currently has a malfunctioning "donate" button, raising questions about the group's financial transparency.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within activist communities. The allegations against Berger highlight the need for a rigorous vetting process for those who seek to join these movements, especially those who seek to profit from them.
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- The controversy surrounding Jacob Berger, a Jewish American actor and ally to the Palestinian-led activism movement, has raised questions about the need for accountability and transparency within activist communities, particularly for those seeking to profiteer from these movements.
- The allegations against Berger, including sexual harassment, exploitation of the Palestinian cause for personal gain, and inappropriate social media behavior, have sparked a significant backlash within the pro-Palestinian community, with multiple women and activists coming forward with similar stories of harassment.
- Nerdeen Kiswani, a Palestinian-American activist and founder of the organisation Within Our Lifetime, has accused Berger of taking sponsorship deals, asking for donations nonstop, monetizing every aspect of his activism, and bragging about a free apartment in Egypt while others worked.
- Kiswani's public accusations against Berger have caused notable division within the movement, bringing internal criticisms to light. As of the latest reports, no external high-profile supporters such as Rashida Tlaib or Bassem Youssef have publicly commented on the controversy.
