Extremism uncovered at American wing of UNRWA

"A recent report by the U.S. government agency USAID’s watchdog office shows that the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is compromised by Hamas terrorists who have deeply entrenched themselves within the U.N. entity founded more than 75 years ago...

What’s more, within mere days of the USAID announcement, UNRWA USA—the American nonprofit that supports the U.N. organization with money, lobbying and other direct assistance—connected itself to an artist with a long history of creating works that exhibit strong endorsement of anti-Israel violence.

A USAID press statement issued on June 5 announced that it had ‘referred for suspension/debarment consideration the names of 101 current or former staff at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for participation in the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks and/or affiliation with the military wing (Al-Qassam Brigades) of Hamas.’

The USAID Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG) had clearly done remarkable work here and stated on June 5 that it has made it an ‘investigative priority to ensure that U.S.-funded humanitarian assistance in Gaza does not fall into the hands of Hamas.’

Additionally, the USAID OIG passed information to the U.S. State Department, as well as to the U.S. Justice Department, for potential criminal prosecution.

While it may be very hard to track and manage humanitarian aid in conflict zones, monitoring what nonprofit groups in the United States do and say should be far easier.

UNRWA USA, the not-for-profit fundraising outfit, was founded in 2005, and its work should raise many questions.

It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has begun raising money through the sale of work from a propagandist who has a long history of creating art that supports anti-Israel violence.

The UNRWA USA National Committee’s website has an extensive appeal for donations featuring a shirt designed by the radical Bint Bandora. The group’s social-media posts have also touted Bandora as an ‘artist,’ and its website has linked to Bandora’s Instagram account.

On Instagram and elsewhere where Bandora displays her efforts, her artwork features the words ‘Homosexual Intifada.’ Other pieces include a map of Palestine that eliminates the State of Israel, multiple graphics proclaiming ‘Resistance Until Reclamation,’ and calls for ‘Total Liberation.’ One particularly alarming illustration features the word ‘Resistance’ alongside a masked terrorist brandishing a weapon.

Does UNRWA USA agree with such endorsements of violence? Does UNRWA?

The UNRWA USA National Committee raises tens of millions of dollars each year. Where does the money go?..."