A Republican congressman has requested an investigation into a possible money trail linking two pro-Palestinian charities located in the United States to Hamas, a militant organization designated as a terrorist group by the US government.
Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York has written to the US Treasury Department asking for an inquiry into the financial activities of the charitable foundations associated with the Al-Quds Foundation and the Holy Land Foundation. Zeldin has voiced concern that funds may have been used to support the Hamas terror network via donations from these charities.
The Al-Quds Foundation, which is based in Arlington, Virginia, has been under scrutiny since 2017 for its contributions to Hamas. The organization has said it is engaged in humanitarian work to help the Palestinian people and denied any link to the terrorist group. However, some Republican lawmakers, such as Zeldin, believe there are definitive connections between the Al-Quds Foundation and Hamas.
The Holy Land Foundation is a Dallas-based charity that was shut down in 2001 due to charges that it was providing material support to Hamas. The foundation was accused of funneling money through charitable activities, such as providing medical care and education, to Hamas militants in Gaza.
In his letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Zeldin expressed his concern that “all funding from these [Al-Quds Foundation and Holy Land Foundation] must be closely monitored and any financial links to terrorism investigated and exposed.” He requested that her agency explain “the cash flow between these organizations and Hamas” and to make sure that any funds from these charities do not reach the terrorist group.
The Treasury Department is yet to respond to the Congressman’s request, though a spokesman said it does “take appropriate legal actions to prevent any US funds from flowing to organizations that may enable, support, or promote terrorism.”
The situation is a reminder of the need for caution when giving to any charity. The US government has identified a number of charities, including the Al-Quds Foundation and the Holy Land Foundation, that have links to terrorist organizations or activities. It is important that individuals take the time to research a charity before making donations to ensure that full information is available about where donations are going.