Between 2017 and 2024, a nonprofit organization formerly led by Linda Sarsour received over $4.1 million in public funds, a detailed review of records reveals.
The Arab American Association of New York secured $3.3 million from New York City and an additional $854,000 from New York State. A significant portion of the city’s contribution lacks specific agency identification, obscuring its origin.
In 2023 alone, New York City transferred $1 million to the organization. Sarsour guided the nonprofit for twelve years, from 2005 to 2017, and has since become a controversial figure due to statements perceived as supportive of violence.
Critics point to Sarsour’s vocal opposition to the deportation of Rasmea Odeh, convicted of murdering two Israeli college students. She also delivered a speech in 2018 suggesting Jewish people should not be “humanized,” sparking widespread condemnation.
Further investigation uncovered $332,000 in federal taxpayer money and $14,000 from local school districts directed to the Islamic Society of North America. This organization featured Imam Siraj Wahhaj as vice president.
Wahhaj, described by Sarsour as a “mentor,” was identified by the FBI as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. He has consistently denied any involvement in the attack.
During related trials, Wahhaj testified in support of Omar Abdel-Rahman, later sentenced to life in prison for seditious conspiracy. Abdel-Rahman reportedly justified the murder of civilians to fellow conspirators.
Wahhaj’s sermons have also included deeply controversial statements, labeling homosexuality a “disease” and advocating for harsh punishment, even death, for individuals involved in same-sex acts.
The financial connections raise questions given Sarsour’s close relationship with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Concerns are growing about potential increases in funding for the Arab American Association and the Islamic Society under his administration.
Mamdani also maintains a positive relationship with Imam Wahhaj. The Arab American Association previously lobbied for legislation introduced by Mamdani that aimed to restrict New York nonprofits from supporting Israeli settlements.
Neither Mamdani nor New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded to inquiries regarding the continuation of funding for the Arab American Association. Sarsour has publicly stated that the Unity and Justice Fund PAC, backed by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), was Mamdani’s largest donor.
CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad previously expressed feeling “happy” in response to the October 7th terrorist attack against Israel. These developments underscore the importance of transparency in public funding and its potential to support controversial ideologies.
As political divisions deepen, understanding where public money flows becomes increasingly critical. Taxpayers deserve to know when their funds are used to support organizations and individuals associated with radical viewpoints.
