Parody account dupes Dem Rep Jamal Bowman into asking fake ‘Gaza rabbi’ to host fundraiser

New York Representative Jamal Bowman found himself in an embarrassing situation after engaging with a parody social media account posing as the "Chief Rabbi of Gaza." 

The account on X, named "Rabbi Linda Goldstein," is known for its satirical posts mocking liberal viewpoints on Zionism. According to the New York Post, the parody account reached out to Bowman regarding sponsorship for a Democratic primary campaign fundraiser. The account's bio reads, "Chief Rabbi of #Gaza. #BDS #FreePalestine. I Stand with #Iran. #Trans Rights are Human Rights. Nude Yogi. I/P Commentary."

Posts from the account include it declaring, “Undesignate Hamas As A ‘Terror’ Organization,” with clappy hand emojis in between the words.  

In a private message exchange, "Rabbi Linda Goldstein" expressed support for Bowman's campaign, to which the representative responded enthusiastically, expressing interest in hosting a fundraiser. 

“I really hope you win, I would love to host a fundraiser with you,” Goldstein said to Bowman. 

"Thank you, how do we get in touch with you?" Bowman asked, seemingly unaware of the account's satirical nature. 

In response, the parody account provided an email address and boasted about raising significant funds from an "anti-Zionist community." 

Bowman has since been mocked on social media for engaging with the obviously-satirical social media account. Many users pointed out that the “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” is not a title that exists, given the fact that essentially no Jews have lived in the Palestinian territory since Hamas has been in charge. 

The parody account is actually run by a pro-Israel attorney named Michael, according to the Post. 

In response to inquiries about the incident, a representative for Bowman's campaign downplayed the exchange, attributing it to a "standard staff response to a direct message."