Friday, November 28, 2008
A shocking non-surprise. Cambridge Savings Bank in Cambridge, MA is collecting funds on behalf of a Palestinian-Arab 'charity' run by leftist activist Mazin Qumsiyeh that has refused to sign a US Government pledge that their money will not fund terror activities.
In 2004, USAID adopted a new guideline that all organizations wishing to receive a US grant must sign off on. Signatories must not "not to promote or engage in violence, terrorism, bigotry or the destruction of any state." Palestinian NGO's refused to sign on in a revealing look at their priorities.
Along comes Mazin Qumsiyeh (full-time anti-Israel activist who's recently moved back to the West Bank, and whom we've met here many times before.), and his Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People (PCR) -- another turnspeak-named Qumsiyeh effort aimed at dismantling the Jewish state. In a widely circulated email, he explains all:
...In this belated message we focus on the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement between People (PCR, a pioneer in bridging cultural differences, empowering Palestinians, and bringing people to support Palestine, actions that led to formation of the International Solidarity Movement). I also would like to tell you about the biggest projects we are involved in now and seek your support (material and otherwise). Below are the mission, the goals, a call to join us for Nights of the Shepherds (and/or support in other ways), a history of previous activities of PCR, and a list of current activities. The exciting new project Nights of the Shepherds is cosponsored by PCR and the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the YMCA/YWCA and will bring community and visitors together to protect the land and the people of the Shepherds field (the Bethlehem rural areas) that are under threat by colonial settlers. Last week and unsolicited, USAID offered to fund the project with $20,000 from but the aid was unanimously rejected on principle (USAID requires groups to adhere to a US policy made and produced in Tel Aviv). Instead, we rely on people of good will (like you) to support our functions. Please read the following and consider making a donation (or provide other kind of support)...
The 'US policy made and produced in Tel Aviv' is of course, the anti-terror pledge -- and yes, YMCA is involved (another subject).
...To support this project send donations to PCR (PCR ). For tax deductible donations from the US, please send you check or wire transfer with a note to indicate it is for the Rapprochement Center to The Biblical Studies Fund, [redacted], Arlington, MA 02476...
...Wire: ABA/Routing # [redacted]
Bank Name: Cambridge Savings Bank, 1374 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
Acct #: [redacted] Account Title: The Biblical Studies Fund
The Biblical Studies Fund doesn't seem to have much of a web presence, or much of a street presence...but it does have a nice innocuous name for tossing on a bank account isn't it?
The refusal of an NGO to sign on to the minimal standards of USAID's agreement ought to disqualify it from getting cooperation from an American financial institution like Cambridge Savings Bank. In fact, it ought not to be able to operate in the United States at all.
Update: Ah, re: The Society for Biblical Studies. Here we go. Run by a United Methodist Minister. No great surprise, unfortunately. Lovely Board of Advisors.
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