Far-Right Groups Blocking Gaza Aid Get Tax-Deductible Donations from US, Israel

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Under pressure from the United States, Israel has pledged to deliver substantial amounts of humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. However, far-right groups in both the U.S. and Israel, which have actively blocked this aid, continue to receive tax-deductible donations.

An investigation by The Associated Press and Israeli investigative site Shomrim found that three groups obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza have raised over $200,000 from donors in the U.S. and Israel. These groups, including one accused of looting or destroying supplies, benefit from tax-deductible donations, a practice that contradicts the stated policies of the U.S. and Israel to ensure the free flow of food, water, and medicine into Gaza.

Tania Hary, executive director of the Israeli nonprofit Gisha, criticized the inconsistency in Israel’s policy. "If you’re on the one hand saying you’re allowing aid in but then also facilitating the actions of groups that are blocking it, can you really say you’re facilitating aid?" she questioned.

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Despite repeated assertions by Israel that it does not restrict humanitarian aid and that distribution failures lie with the United Nations, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The U.N. and various aid groups report that deliveries are frequently hampered by military operations, lawlessness within Gaza, and delays in Israeli inspections.

The groups identified by AP and Shomrim have obstructed aid by blocking trucks on their way to Gaza, either by causing traffic jams or physically standing in front of the Kerem Shalom crossing, a crucial entry point for supplies.

While these groups are not the primary obstacle to aid shipments, they have received tacit support from some Israeli leaders. For instance, Israel’s ultranationalist Minister for National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has publicly stated that aid shipments to Gaza should be blocked and has defended the right of opponents to protest, provided it is non-violent.

One such group, Mother’s March, has raised the equivalent of over $125,000 through Givechack, an Israeli crowdfunding site, and an additional $13,000 through JGive, a U.S. and Israeli crowdfunding platform. Donations to these groups are tax-deductible in both countries.

Mother’s March does not solicit funds directly. Instead, it collaborates with an allied organization called Torat Lechima, which raises funds on its behalf. Torat Lechima, translating loosely to "combat doctrine," is active in nationalist circles and aims to "strengthen the Jewish identity and fighting spirit" among Israeli soldiers. Torat Lechima continues to raise funds for Mother’s March on the JGive platform in the U.S.

Despite these findings, Israeli officials did not respond to requests for comment, and the U.S. State Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring aid delivery but declined to comment on the fundraising efforts by these far-right groups.

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