May Golan

May Golan is an Israeli lawmaker and member of the Likud Party. She currently serves as the country's women's advancement minister.

She has also sparked controversy in the past for her remarks about African asylum seekers and has long been accused of racism.

Golan slams UN for ignoring Hamas's sexual violence against Israeli women

Golan's remarks came at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which was chaired by UN Women.

 Minister May Golan at the United  Nations. March 11, 2025.
 SOCIAL EQUALITY and Women’s Advancement Minister May Golan attends a meeting of the Knesset plenum earlier this year. Recently, she delivered an address in which she sought to defend Michael Ben-Ari, an avowed Meir Kahane supporter who was disqualified from running for the Knesset.

Minister May Golan used state funds to finance fictitious jobs for friends, TV report finds

 NECHAMA RONEN and United Airlines Station Manager in Israel, Nicholas Kummerle.

Grapevine June 26, 2024: Lessons not learned

 Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis (right) joins Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in tasting 3D-printed fish at Steakholder Foods on April 19.

Netanyahu selects Likud minister Ofir Akunis for Israel’s top diplomatic post in NYC


Israeli ministers bash one another as cabinet meeting descends into chaos

A bitter conflict unfolded between Golan and Diaspora Affairs Ministers Amichai Chikli, primarily revolving around the transfer of the department for socio-economic development in Bedouin society.

 MK May Golan visits at MK Itamar Ben-Gvir's makeshift office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 14, 2022.

Minister May Golan to global women's organizations: 'Raise your voice against the crimes of Hamas'

The letter demanded an unequivocal stop to being silent and to raise a clear and resounding voice against the crimes of Hamas that were committed on October 7.

 MK May Golan visits at MK Itamar Ben-Gvir's makeshift office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 14, 2022.

Video shows Israeli minister, protestors clash at Ben-Gurion Airport

Minister May Golan was seen on video arguing with protesters at the airport. Later, she claimed she was protecting her 76-year-old mother from violent attacks.

 Israeli lawmaker May Golan is taken out during a plenum session in the assembly hall of the Israeli parliament, on July 12, 2021.

Knesset bill to dismantle authority responsible for gender equality passes preliminary reading

The bill was introduced by MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Otzma Yehudit), who is confident that the bill "will allow equal opportunities for all women in Israel."

 Women hold signs as they protest for women equality, in Tel Aviv on August 23, 2022.

Israel needs more women in government posts - editorial

While Israel’s friends and allies abroad will enjoy the service of a gender-equal crop of senior Israeli officials, Israel’s citizens at home have not been as fortunate.

 MK May Golan visits at MK Itamar Ben-Gvir's makeshift office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 14, 2022.

Ben-Gvir, Golan: Israel is making diplomatic gaffes - editorial

Israel already has enough substantive issues causing friction with both the EU and the US. It need not add to them by taking unnecessarily provocative steps.

 RELIGIOUS ZIONIST Party MK Itamar Ben-Gvir (right) is joined by Likud MK May Golan at his makeshift office in Sheikh Jarrah last week.

May Golan appointed Israel's women's advancement minister

The new minister called out members of the opposition for voting against it, accusing them of having biased views and not caring about the safety of women.

 MK May Golan visits at MK Itamar Ben-Gvir's makeshift office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 14, 2022.

Netanyahu may spark new Israel-US crisis by tapping Golan as NY envoy

Two media outlets reported on Saturday night that Netanyahu had backed away from the Golan appointment in light of US objections to the matter

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Justice Minister Yariv Levin and May Golan during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 22, 2023

US calls possible new Israeli consul's rhetoric 'particularly damaging'

Golan has stated in the past that she is "proud to be a racist" and has repeatedly attacked African asylum seekers living in Tel Aviv.

 MK May Golan visits at MK Itamar Ben-Gvir's makeshift office in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, February 14, 2022.

Netanyahu offers May Golan top diplomat post in NY to replace Asaf Zamir

The Likud minister would replace Asaf Zamir, a centrist politician who resigned last month in protest of Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Justice Minister Yariv Levin and May Golan during a discussion and a vote in the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 22, 2023