Progressive’ bar association honors organization linked to Palestinian terrorism
The Oldest Progressive Bar Association Honors Controversial Charity
The oldest progressive bar association in the United States is recognizing a charity in Arizona that has recently come under scrutiny for its ties to Palestinian terrorism. The Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), an anti-Israel nonprofit group, has faced legal and congressional investigations, leading to the suspension of its ability to process credit card donations in 2023. Despite these revelations, the National Lawyers Guild, a left-wing coalition of attorneys, has chosen to present AFGJ with its annual award named after the late socialist legal expert Debra Evenson.
Supporting Grassroots Organizing and Political Activism
The National Lawyers Guild describes AFGJ as an organization that supports locally-based grassroots organizing, political analysis, direct action, and monitoring of corporate and government power. The guild also highlights AFGJ’s commitment to expanding communication channels and sharing skills and infrastructure. However, these commendable efforts are overshadowed by the charity’s connections to terrorism.
Award Recipients and Troubling Connections
In addition to AFGJ, the award was also given to Emily Yozell, an environmental lawyer based in Costa Rica. This recognition underscores the troubling reality that self-identified progressive activist hubs maintain deep connections with entities supporting terrorism. This is particularly concerning following the recent Hamas-led attack against Israel, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 people.
Through a fiscal sponsorship arrangement, AFGJ provides various services, including payroll, donation processing, and human resources, for anti-Israel projects. One such project is the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, which is designated as a terrorist coalition by Israel. Samidoun has shared staff members with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.
The “Venceremos” Award and Its Controversial Origins
The “Venceremos” award, named after Debra Evenson, celebrates outstanding international legal work, legal solidarity, international advocacy, and justice beyond borders. However, the award’s namesake raises eyebrows, as Evenson was the president of the National Lawyers Guild and represented the Cuban government. Furthermore, “Venceremos” was the name of a Marxist Chicano group in California during the 1960s and 1970s that engaged in violent activities with the goal of overthrowing the U.S. government.
Loss of Support and Legal Troubles
AFGJ has faced significant challenges in recent times. It has been dropped by four payment processors, including PayPal, Stripe, Deluxe, and Salsa Labs, due to concerns about its ties to terrorism. Additionally, influential liberal grantmakers, such as the New Venture Fund, Windward Fund, Ford Foundation, and League of Conservation Voters, have pledged to cease future donations to the nonprofit group. The Israeli-designated terrorist coalition, Samidoun, which operates under AFGJ, has also faced consequences, including a ban in Germany for allegedly celebrating Palestinian terrorism during protests in Berlin.
Controversial Funding Sources
Over the years, AFGJ has received substantial financial support from various sources, including the George Soros-backed dark money philanthropy network, Tides Foundation, Tides Center, Raikes Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and even Vijaya Gadde, a former Twitter executive who has faced criticism for her involvement in suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story.
The National Lawyers Guild did not respond to a request for comment.
What evidence supports the claim that AFGJ may have used charitable funds to support terrorist activities?
Risoner Solidarity Network, which AFGJ supports financially. Samidoun openly advocates for the release of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
In 2023, the U.S. Congress launched an investigation into AFGJ’s finances, specifically focusing on its link to anti-Israel groups and its possible violation of tax laws. The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that AFGJ may have used charitable funds to support terrorist activities. Additionally, a report by the Capital Research Center highlights AFGJ’s close ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, Canada, and Israel. The PFLP has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks against innocent civilians, including hijackings and bombings.
Controversy and Ethical Concerns
The decision by the National Lawyers Guild to honor AFGJ despite these revelations raises significant ethical concerns. Organizations that promote violence and support terrorism should not be celebrated or rewarded. By honoring AFGJ, the guild not only condones the charity’s associations but also sends a message of endorsement to other organizations with similar ties.
Furthermore, the guild’s decision undermines the credibility of the legal profession. Lawyers have a responsibility to uphold the law and promote justice. By honoring an organization with connections to terrorism, the guild tarnishes the reputation of the legal community and undermines the public’s trust in the profession.
The Need for Accountability and Transparency
The National Lawyers Guild, as a respected and influential organization, must be held accountable for its choices and actions. It is crucial that the guild makes an effort to thoroughly investigate the charities and individuals it chooses to honor, ensuring they align with the principles of justice, equality, and humanitarianism that the legal profession upholds.
Awarding an organization with ties to terrorism not only damages the reputation of the guild but also undermines the broader progressive movement. Progressivism should be about promoting peace, justice, and equality, not supporting organizations associated with violence and terrorism.
The guild and other progressive associations must prioritize transparency and ethical practices in their decision-making processes. They must carefully consider the ramifications of their choices and ensure they are consistent with the principles they claim to uphold. Only through accountability and transparency can the guild regain the trust of its members and the public.
In Conclusion
The National Lawyers Guild’s decision to honor the Alliance for Global Justice, despite its connections to Palestinian terrorism, raises serious ethical concerns. It is imperative for progressive organizations to thoroughly vet the charities and individuals they choose to honor, ensuring they align with principles of justice and humanitarianism. By supporting organizations associated with violence and terrorism, the guild not only damages its own reputation but also weakens the broader progressive movement. Transparency and accountability must be prioritized to restore trust in the guild and uphold the principles it claims to represent.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
