Ways and Means Committee leaders applaud Treasury for sanctions against “sham charity”

The U.S. Department of Treasury has sanctioned Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network as a sham charity that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization.

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According to the Treasury, the PFLP, which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of State in October 1997 and October 2001, respectively, uses Samidoun to maintain fundraising operations in both Europe and North America.

The leadership of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee applauded the action taken by the Treasury.

“I am encouraged that Treasury is finally acting on calls by Ways and Means Republicans to go after organizations tied to foreign terrorist organizations,” House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) said.

“Americans are disgusted to learn their tax dollars have subsidized groups like Samidoun, who organize illegal activity here in America and provide support for terrorist organizations overseas. According to evidence gathered by the Ways and Means Committee over the course of our investigation, this is one of many organizations fueling antisemitic activities, breaking multiple laws and supporting hate and chaos across America. While this is a welcome first step, the Biden-Harris Administration must waste no time in going further to revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization funding or supporting terrorism.”

In September, Ways and Means Committee Republicans wrote a letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel specifically calling out Samidoun as the recipient of tax-exempt dollars to incite violence and chaos.

“The Alliance for Global Justice, in conjunction with its fiscally sponsored project, Samidoun, has funded and supported conduct intended to incite violence and instill chaos and holds suspicious ties to designated terrorist organizations. This is despite receiving tax-exempt status as a charitable organization. This conduct is designed to sow chaos and discord in our society, has involved illegal activities, and certainly is not in furtherance of any tax-exempt purpose,” the letter to Werfel said.

This is one of a series of letters sent by the committee that provide specific evidence outlining each organization’s suspected illegal or nonconforming conduct that warranted their referral and call for revocation to the IRS.