AOC Supports Legislation Restricting Funding for Israeli Settlements

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has thrown her support behind a New York state bill that would remove the tax-exempt status of New York nonprofits if they use funds to back Israel’s military and settlement activities, as reported by the New York Times.

The “Not on Our Dime” act was introduced prior to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and aimed to prevent donations from supporting violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, according to Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Jabari Brisport, who introduced the bill.

The New York Times reported that the bill was labeled a “nonstarter,” but the state lawmakers are looking to amend the bill following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“It is now more crucial than ever to hold the Netanyahu government accountable for backing and even endorsing some of this settler violence that hinders a lasting peace,” Ocasio-Cortez stated at a press conference. “This bill will ensure that the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the continued support of armed militias to terrorize Palestinians in the West Bank, do not benefit from New York State charitable tax exemptions.”

Ocasio-Cortez mentioned to the New York Times that there are organizations raising funds for extremist settlers that impede peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

According to the Times, the bill would permit the state to take legal action against nonprofits for at least $1 million and revoke their tax-exempt status. Palestinians and others would have the right to sue the nonprofits if they believe they were harmed by the violations.

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, D-Queens, spoke out against the bill.

“I believe it intends harm on the Jewish community and its communal organizations,” Rozic told the New York Times. “Instead, we should be committed to finding common ground with our colleagues here in New York, rather than focusing on legislation aimed at dividing Democrats.

Another assemblyman, Alex Bores, D-Manhattan, previously referred to the bill as “fundamentally unserious.”

A similar bill has been introduced in Maryland.