Survivors sue UNRWA USA for funding Hamas terrorism

[Social Media]

Legal Battle Unveiled: Survivors Take on UNRWA USA for Alleged Role in Hamas Terrorism Funding

 

In a landmark legal move, survivors of the October 7 Hamas massacre have taken direct legal action against UNRWA USA, the American fundraising arm of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, represents the first direct legal challenge against UNRWA for its purported involvement in funding terrorism.

 

The plaintiffs, represented by the National Jewish Advocacy Center, Inc. (NJAC), are seeking damages and a declaration that UNRWA USA violated federal anti-terror laws. The legal action comes amidst mounting diplomatic tensions over UNRWA's alleged ties to terrorism, particularly in light of recent revelations implicating the organization's employees in the Hamas attack and subsequent warfare in Gaza.

 

According to court documents, UNRWA USA, a registered 501(c)(3) charity, has provided substantial financial support to UNRWA, totaling $3.8 million to date. The complaint alleges that UNRWA USA knowingly facilitated terrorism by operating a "terrorist-financing scheme" in violation of federal law. The lawsuit asserts that UNRWA's facilities were allegedly used as command and control centers by Hamas militants during the October 7 massacre.

 

David Finger, a partner at Finger & Slanina, emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable for facilitating violence and terrorism. He stated, "Delaware should not tolerate its corporations being used to facilitate violence, terror, and savagery."

The plaintiffs include survivors of the October 7 attack, relatives of those killed, and displaced families whose homes were destroyed in the violence. Their legal action aims to hold UNRWA USA accountable for its alleged role in funding terrorism and to seek justice for the victims of the massacre.

 

Attorney David Schoen, representing the plaintiffs, condemned UNRWA's perceived immunity from legal consequences, stating, "Disgracefully, UNRWA has been granted immunity and so it acts with impunity." He emphasized the importance of cutting off funding to UNRWA as a step towards justice for the victims.

 

Ben Schlager, senior counsel at Goldfeder & Terry, highlighted the significance of the case in addressing the intersection between humanitarian aid and terrorism. He stated, "The underwriting of terrorism by NGOs under the guise of philanthropy and altruism is a particularly pernicious form of material support."

 

The legal action against UNRWA comes in the wake of a bombshell Israeli intelligence report revealing the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the Hamas attack. The report prompted several countries, including the United States and Germany, to suspend contributions to UNRWA totaling over $438 million.

 

Arsen Ostrovsky, CEO of the International Legal Forum, underscored the need to hold UNRWA USA accountable for its alleged role in funding terrorism. He stated, "UNRWA has become an inseparable arm of Hamas and a systematic incubator of hate, incitement, and terror."

 

Mark Goldfeder, director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, emphasized the rarity of charities being used to finance terrorism. He stated, "Charities generally do good work, which is why they often fly under the radar. But on some very rare occasions, a so-called 'charity' is really a front to help finance an international terrorist plot that kills thousands of innocent people."

 

The legal battle against UNRWA USA represents a pivotal moment in efforts to address the alleged intersection between humanitarian aid and terrorism financing. As the case unfolds in the U.S. court system, it is likely to draw significant attention to the accountability of organizations involved in providing aid to conflict-affected regions.

 

11.03.24

Source

 

[thaibeachlovers]

IMO pathetic nonsense, and I hope they get sent packing for wasting the court's time.

[Jeff the Chef]

This could run forever, or that's what the lawyers will hope for, deep pockets needed by both sides.

[Bkk Brian]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

The lawsuit asserts that UNRWA's facilities were allegedly used as command and control centers by Hamas militants during the October 7 massacre.

There is  certainly no denying the evidence of the center located under UNRWA HQ in Gaza or that certain UN members were involved in the attack and brought bodies back to Gaza along with holding hostages in Gaza.

[Brickleberry]

5 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

There is  certainly no denying the evidence of the center located under UNRWA HQ in Gaza or that certain UN members were involved in the attack and brought bodies back to Gaza along with holding hostages in Gaza.

 

What evidence? Israel has not shared, or given any evidence to any of its global partners.

 

This is why so many of those countries who originally withheld funding are now backing the agency again.

 

How people can advocate taking food and medical aid away from the Palestinians blows my mind. It is monstrous.

[Bkk Brian]

29 minutes ago, Brickleberry said:

 

What evidence? Israel has not shared, or given any evidence to any of its global partners.

 

This is why so many of those countries who originally withheld funding are now backing the agency again.

 

How people can advocate taking food and medical aid away from the Palestinians blows my mind. It is monstrous.

What evidence? 

 

I would link to the topics with it but I know you have those links already.

 

Yes a handful of countries who temporarily suspended their voluntary funding have now restarted before the independent UNRWA investigation has been completed.

 

Can you link me to where that is because of evidence or lack there of? 

 

 

[stevenl]

13 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

There is  certainly no denying the evidence of the center located under UNRWA HQ in Gaza or that certain UN members were involved in the attack and brought bodies back to Gaza along with holding hostages in Gaza.

There is evidence the Israel government led by netanyahu funded Hamas. They'd better look closer to home.

[Bkk Brian]

8 minutes ago, stevenl said:

There is evidence the Israel government led by netanyahu funded Hamas. They'd better look closer to home.

Not True. They facilitated Qatars payments to Hamas for a few years. They did not fund Hamas. Please provide a link to that.

[stevenl]

9 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

Not True. They facilitated Qatars payments to Hamas for a few years. They did not fund Hamas. Please provide a link to that.

Let me rephrase.

For years the Israeli government facilitated the funding of hamas. They should look closer to home for lawsuits.

[Bkk Brian]

4 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Let me rephrase.

For years the Israeli government facilitated the funding of hamas. They should look closer to home for lawsuits.

That's not rephrasing, that's changing your previous false claims

[stevenl]

3 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

That's not rephrasing, that's changing your previous false claims

It's rephrasing after your semantic objection.

Telling you post about that and not about the content: they should look closer to home.

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, stevenl said:

It's rephrasing after your semantic objection.

Telling you post about that and not about the content: they should look closer to home.

There is a huge difference funding Hamas out of your own tax payers money and allowing Qatar to fund it. Your deflection to your lies are noted.