Controversial Fundraiser Sparks Outrage
An Islamic nonprofit, connected to Mayor Zoran Mamdani, has raised over $260,000 in taxpayer money to host a pop-up fundraiser featuring decorations that show support for Hamas and other groups labeled as terrorists by the U.S.
At the Muslim American Association’s meeting on January 18, vendors offered a variety of items like keychains, stickers, and pins that supported Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine at a youth center in Brooklyn.
Dubbed “Thrift4Sudan,” the event showcased images of notable figures from these organizations, including Hezbollah’s late leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas’ Yahya Sinwar. There were even trinkets depicting a masked figure similar to a former Hamas spokesman.
Some items bore slogans like “Bomb Tel Aviv” and “Death to the IDF,” overtly calling for violence against Israel, as reported by local outlets.
Footage from the event, which was briefly shared on Instagram by the Palestine Liberation Assembly PAL-Awda, has since been removed. The organization is known for its anti-Israel demonstrations, including chants proclaiming support for Hamas.
The latest tax filings indicate that the New York chapter of the Muslim American Association had a net worth of $982,123 in 2024.
City Council documents reveal that this nonprofit has received a total of $265,000 in discretionary funds since the fiscal year 2023. These funds are intended to enhance youth initiatives and community services, primarily in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
Notably, $150,000 of the funding came from former House Speaker Adrian Adams, while an additional $80,000 was approved by former Brooklyn City Councilman Justin Brannan.
Neither Adams nor Brannan provided comments when contacted.
The organization also attracted support from former representatives Christy Marmorato and Ali Kagan, who contributed $20,000 and $5,000, respectively, along with a $10,000 donation from Alexa Aviles.
Leadership at MAS in New York includes figures like Abdullah Akl, who has a history of pro-Hamas activism. Some community events in Brooklyn are hosted at the youth center they run.
Following the election of socialist Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim mayor in November, MAS’s influence over city politics seems to have increased. Members of the organization are part of Mamdani’s transition team, with roles in key positions within City Hall.
Julie Menin, the newly elected council president, expressed shock upon learning about the event and its affiliations.
Menin has put a hold on $80,000 in discretionary funds previously allocated to MAS pending an investigation. There’s also a possibility that MAS could be prevented from receiving further city funding.
“The City Council has a zero-tolerance policy for any violations,” said spokesman Jonathan Schott. “Funding has been suspended while a thorough internal review is underway. Organizations that support groups threatening the U.S. government are incompatible with city funding.”
Messages sent to MAS, the youth center, and Mayor Mamdani’s office went unanswered.
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a firm Zionist, called on Menin to enhance the vetting processes for all organizations that receive city funds.
“It’s disheartening that extremists in city hall are misusing taxpayer money for Hamas propaganda,” she stated. “These funds should be returned to New York City, and those involved in supporting terrorism must face investigation and prosecution.”
