The organization in question, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), also known as AJP Educational Foundation Inc., is being scrutinized by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares for allegations of misusing funds for unlawful purposes, including potentially supporting terrorist organizations.
The investigation was announced last month, following a lawsuit in May 2022 that accused AMP of indirectly supporting Hamas. The lawsuit has brought attention to the financial contributions made by AMP's executive director, Osama Abu Irshaid, to various members of the House. According to records, Irshaid donated $3,000 to Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens) in 2021. Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has faced corruption allegations for several years.
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In 2022, Irshaid made a $500 donation to Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who has previously been censured for her public support of Hamas and calls for the destruction of Israel. Additional donations were made to other Squad members, including Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.
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AMP national board member Salah Sarsour and AMP chairman Dr. Hatem Al-Bazian have also made contributions to Tlaib and Omar, respectively. Tlaib has publicly praised the work of AMP and other Palestinian advocacy organizations, a quote of which is featured on the AMP website.
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November 12, 2023
AMP has been a source of controversy even prior to the Virginia investigation. The Anti-Defamation League has identified the organization as a hub of antisemitic activity. In a statement released on the day of a Hamas terrorist attack that killed approximately 1,400 Israeli civilians, AMP declared that "Israeli violence is the root cause of violence and unrest in the region."
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AMP has also been linked to Students for Justice in Palestine, a radical student organization banned by Brandeis University and the entire state university system of Florida for its support of Hamas. The founder of this organization is AMP board member Hatem Al-Bazian.
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Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-Finger Lakes) criticized the donations received by members of the "Hamas Caucus" and other left-wing Democrats from AMP. Tenney, who received an F rating from AMP due to her support of Israel, stated, "I am beyond honored to have received an F rating from this terrorist organization due to my commitment to Israel."
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In response to the allegations, AMP has maintained its innocence, insisting that it does not support terrorism. A spokeswoman for the organization stated, "AMP is a wholly U.S. nonprofit, which raises funds within the United States and puts them to use itself within the United States, for its completely legal stated purpose of educating the American public on the rich history and culture of Palestine."
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