Federal Election Commission filings reveal a significant financial contribution from Representative Ilhan Omar’s campaign to a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit with concerning connections. Over a thousand dollars was directed to Palestine House of Freedom, an organization actively advocating for the dissolution of the current state of Israel.
Palestine House of Freedom, operating just blocks from the Capitol, openly declares its dedication to “the liberation of Palestine” and the establishment of a state “from the river to the sea.” Their website frames Israel as an “apartheid state,” outlining a mission to aggressively influence lawmakers and public opinion to support their vision for a dramatically altered Middle East.
The Omar campaign’s $1,559.25 payment, listed as being for “Event Tickets” in September, raises questions about the specific purpose of the funds. Details surrounding the event remain unclear, adding to the scrutiny of this financial transaction.
This nonprofit gained attention earlier this year by hosting a fundraiser benefiting Birzeit University, a Palestinian institution with a long and documented history of alleged ties to terrorist organizations. The university’s student government has consistently been dominated by factions affiliated with Hamas.
For decades, the Al-Wafaa bloc, directly linked to Hamas, has secured victory after victory in Birzeit University’s student council elections, dating back to the 1990s. Disturbing reports have surfaced detailing campus events featuring displays reminiscent of suicide bombings and rocket imagery.
Following a recent Al-Wafaa victory in 2023, a high-ranking Hamas operative celebrated the outcome as an “extension” of their movement, asserting the group’s resilience and unwavering commitment to confrontation. This endorsement underscores the deep connection between the student group and the designated terrorist organization.
Concerns about Birzeit University’s affiliations have reached beyond Capitol Hill. Lawmakers recently pressed Harvard University regarding its past partnership with the institution, labeling it a school that “explicitly endorses” a U.S. designated terrorist organization.
Harvard ultimately announced it would not renew its agreement with Birzeit, initiating an internal review of the partnership. The fundraiser hosted by Palestine House of Freedom, titled “From Birzeit and Beyond,” explicitly directed all proceeds to the university.
Representative Omar, a trailblazer as one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, has faced repeated criticism for controversial statements. Past remarks, including those downplaying the 9/11 attacks and alleging Israeli influence, have drawn widespread condemnation and prompted apologies.
A recent attempt to censure Representative Omar over her comments regarding a political figure narrowly failed in the House of Representatives, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding her rhetoric and political positions. The financial connection to Palestine House of Freedom adds another layer to this complex narrative.
Requests for comment from Harvard, Palestine House of Freedom, Representative Omar’s office, and the Ilhan for Congress campaign have gone unanswered, leaving many questions surrounding this financial contribution and its implications.
