PHILADELPHIA – November 3, 2023 – Two pieces of legislation concerning jihadi groups recently introduced into the House of Representatives include many elements strongly advocated by the Middle East Forum.
The first, the “Hamas and Other Palestinian Terrorist Groups International Financing Prevention Act,” was forwarded by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL). He explained: “There should be no ambiguity here: Hamas is responsible for absolutely every innocent life lost in this war. Full stop. And any supporter of Hamas is complicit. Now it’s time for the United States to match our words with action by sanctioning anyone who’s enabled radical Islamic terrorists that chant destruction of Israel.” Countries that provide financial support to Hamas or harbor its leaders include Iran, Qatar, and Turkey.
“Hamas and the countries that assist it have operated for far too long without paying a meaningful price,” observes Middle East Forum director Gregg Roman. “This bill will ensure that countries purporting to be U.S. allies will suffer the consequences for supporting Hamas and other Palestinian groups.”
The second is a resolution co-sponsored by several dozen members of Congress. Called “Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff,” it recognizes the dangers faced by Jews on campuses. It urges the secretary of education to direct his Office of Civil Rights to investigate and take action.
“Recent activities at universities go beyond protests to an open hostility that directly targets Jewish students. These are not ‘pro-Palestinian,’ but simple antisemitism. All the university talk about racism and bigotry seems not to apply to Jews,” said Cliff Smith, director of MEF’s Washington Project.
The Middle East Forum will continue to brief lawmakers about these issues, encourage the House to act quickly, and press the Senate and president to support them.
The Middle East Forum, a non-profit organization, promotes American interests in the Middle East and protects Western civilization from Islamism. It does so through a combination of original ideas, focused activism, and funding allies. For more information, visit www.meforum.org.
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Gregg Roman
roman@meforum.org
+1 (215) 546 5406
