American Nonprofits Support Israeli Settlements and Fund Political Trips
The ongoing atrocities against Palestinians have sparked discourse on various levels, including the role of tax-exempt American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in supporting illegal Israeli settlements and funding trips for American officials aligned with Israeli interests.
Nonprofits like HaYovel organize volunteer trips to Israeli settlements, while others, like Volunteers for Israel (VFI), have direct partnerships with the Israeli military. Additionally, organizations like the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) sponsor trips for politicians who support Israeli objectives.
Despite IRS regulations prohibiting political campaign involvement, the ambiguity surrounding nonprofit activity in support of a foreign state like Israel raises concerns. The current regulatory framework that allows tax-exempt status for organizations backing Israeli settlements and political agendas must be revised to promote peace in the region.
This article represents the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of Al Jazeera.