New York state bill aims to stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements

New York state bill aims to stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements
A bill introduced in New York's state assembly aims to prevent US charities from sending major donations that would fund illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a practice that has been reportedly ongoing for years.
2 min read
Washington, D.C.
19 May, 2023
US-based charities have donated money to Israeli groups that support settlements, according to media reports. [Getty]

A bill introduced in New York's state assembly aims to prevent US charities from sending major donations that would fund illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The act, called, "Not on our dime!: Ending New York funding of Israeli settler violence", was introduced by state assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who represents Queens.

The young assembly member told the Guardian that "This legislation makes it clear that New York will no longer effectively subsidise war crimes and the flouting of international law."

"What we have is a number of New York state-registered charities that are sending at least US$60m a year to Israeli settlement organisations which then use that funding to continue the history of expulsion and dispossession of the Palestinians in the occupied territories that has been going on for decades," he said. 

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Not surprisingly, the bill was quickly met with criticism, with some saying that it attacked charities that were only trying to help people.

However, Mamdani pointed to several New York-based charities, including the Central Fund for Israel, which has publicly stated that its money goes to the "land of Israel" which is often a reference to the occupied territories. Indeed, it sends money to settler organisations, including the Israel Land Fund. 

The Guardian noted that a 2015 report by Haaretz found that at least 50 US-based groups were involved in funding settlements, and there were instances of funding the legal expenses of Israelis who had allegedly committed acts of violence against Palestinians.

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Mamdani said he believes that specific legislation is necessary because some laws already in place might not apply to Israel and Palestine. 

He acknowledged that the bill will be an uphill battle. But it's he says it's one he's willing to fight based on his convictions and based on what he says a general shift in US public opinion on Israel.

"I think it will be a long fight. I do not have any illusions. But if you look at the attitudes of Americans towards Palestine and towards Israel, and specifically to the question of settlements, it is very clear that this is also a fight that is broadly popular," he told the Guardian.