1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to become a co-sponsor of Not on Our Dime!: Ending NY Funding of Israeli War Crimes (S6992A/A6943A). Not on Our Dime! makes clear that New Yorkers do not stand for war crimes and human rights violations -- whether carried out by emboldened, violent settlers in the West Bank or Israeli military units devastating the population of Gaza. This is a well-documented – and growing – problem. Historically, NY-registered nonprofits have sent over $60M per year to settler activities, and the settler project is now intensifying: 2023 was the most violent year on record for Palestinians in the West Bank, and settlers have renewed their fervor for building illegal settlements in Gaza since the ongoing Israeli assault there. By allowing these groups non-profit status, New York State is effectively subsidizing these atrocities. I am deeply concerned about this violence against Palestinians and want my representative to stand against human rights violations — particularly those facilitated by our state. The Not on Our Dime! Act prevents non-profit corporations from abusing their tax-exempt status to reinforce and further the State of Israel's illegal settlement expansion and state violence against Palestinians. As my representative, I am asking that you co-sponsor this bill, and actively take steps to ensure that New York-based groups are not aiding and abetting war crimes.