Ilhan Omar’s Campaign Transfers Funds to Controversial Nonprofit

Recent filings from the Federal Election Commission show that Representative Ilhan Omar’s campaign (D-Minn.) has transferred over $1,000 to a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit linked to a Palestinian university that has connections to alleged terrorism.

The organization, Palestinian Freedom House, which is also called Dar al-Hurriya in Arabic, is located near the U.S. Capitol. Their stated aim involves advocating for the “liberation of Palestine” and attempting “to dismantle Palestinian apartheid” while promoting the establishment of a democratic state across the region.

The group’s website characterizes Israel as an “apartheid state” and emphasizes an educational campaign to inform various stakeholders—including lawmakers and the media—on how to dismantle what they see as apartheid for a peaceful resolution in Palestine.

Pro-Palestinian Conference Draws Controversial Statements

In September, Omar’s campaign transferred $1,559.25 to the Palestinian Freedom House for “event tickets,” though the specific event linked to this payment remains unclear.

Separately, the Washington Reporter highlighted Birzeit University, which earlier this year faced accusations regarding ties to terrorism after a fundraiser placed pro-Hamas students at an advantage during council elections. This university has been historically dominated by the Hamas-affiliated Al Wafa bloc and has drawn scrutiny for past events, including demonstrations that featured members with mock explosive vests and weapons.

According to investigations, this student bloc has repeatedly secured victories in elections dating back to the 1990s, including in recent years. Following the 2023 election result, Hamas officials claimed this signified the expansion of their influence.

Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent figure in Hamas, remarked on their resilience in overcoming challenges in their homeland, emphasizing their commitment against what they describe as occupiers and oppression.

Academic Institutions Under Scrutiny

On September 29, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Tim Wahlberg (R-Mich.) sent a letter to Harvard University expressing concerns regarding its ties with Birzeit, arguing that the institution supports a student body backed by Hamas.

In response, Harvard indicated that it would not renew its partnership with Birzeit while conducting an internal review. The proceeds from a recent fundraiser called “Birzeit and Beyond: How Academia Shapes Resistance and Resilience” were reportedly directed toward Birzeit University.

Ilhan Omar’s Controversial History

Ilhan Omar, among the first Muslim women elected to Congress in 2018, has faced significant backlash over past remarks deemed anti-American and anti-Semitic, including her controversial comments regarding the events of 9/11 and her views on Israel, which she later apologized for.

In September, a motion to condemn her comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination narrowly missed passing in the House.

At the time of writing, attempts to get comments from Harvard, the Palestinian Freedom House, and Omar’s office have gone unanswered.