Senate Republicans Demand Probe into Tax-Exempt Status of Anti-Israel Groups
Organizations Scrutinized for Alleged Ties to Terrorism and Incitement
Washington, D.C. – In a letter sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 16 Republican senators, including Senator Joni Ernst (IA), have called for an investigation into the tax-exempt status of several organizations that they allege are supporting anti-Israel and antisemitic protests on university campuses across the nation.
Alleged Links to Hamas
The senators cited a recently filed lawsuit against the Americans for Justice in Palestine (AJP) and its student wing, National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP). The lawsuit accuses AJP of being “a propaganda division in the United States” for the terrorist organization Hamas.
The plaintiffs claim that AJP created NSJP to control hundreds of chapters on college campuses, disseminating materials and inciting protests against Israel. They allege that NSJP was prepared and reacted to Hamas’s call for “mass mobilization” before and after the terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Support for Antisemitic Protests
The senators also pointed to the involvement of AJP and the Tides Foundation in anti-Israel demonstrations at universities. They accused these organizations of supporting protests that have featured antisemitic language, intimidation, and the takeover of buildings.
According to Senator Ernst, “These organizations have been using their tax-exempt status to provide support for activities that are not only harmful to the Jewish community but also to the overall climate of free speech on our campuses.”
Legal Scrutiny
AJP’s legal representative contested the allegations, stating that AMP operates legally and within the United States Constitution. However, the senators noted that Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is already investigating AJP’s use of funds and possible support for terrorist organizations.
Heightened Tensions on Campuses
The senators’ concerns come amidst a surge in anti-Israel protests on university campuses in recent weeks. Over 2,200 individuals have been arrested or detained during protests on at least 49 campuses in 26 states.
In some cases, these protests have escalated into illegal activity, such as the creation of encampments and the occupation of university buildings. Law enforcement has also reported instances of antisemitic language and intimidation tactics during the demonstrations.
Call for Congressional Action
The senate letter demands that the IRS investigate the tax-exempt status of AJP, the Tides Foundation, and the Westchester Peace Action Committee Foundation (WESPAC). The senators are seeking to determine if these organizations have violated any laws or engaged in activities that warrant the revocation of their tax-exempt privileges.
The investigation request has garnered support from several high-ranking Republicans, including Senate Republican Whip John Thune (SD), who is running to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY). Thune stated that protecting free speech on campuses requires holding organizations accountable for actions that incite hatred and violence.
The IRS has not yet responded to the senate letter, but the investigation could have significant implications for the organizations involved and the broader debate over free speech and anti-Semitism on university campuses.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
