The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating a nonprofit organization connected to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for allegedly providing donor funds to a Palestinian group that is under U.S. sanctions, according to a report from the New York Post. The organization, referred to as PFF, is based in the U.K. and reportedly has around $100 million in funding aimed at supporting anti-Israel initiatives. The investigation includes scrutiny of potential contributions to Al-Haq, a sanctioned Palestinian group.
Sources indicated that a new fund established by individuals from the U.S., U.K., and Australia aims to support actions against Israel. Bassema Yousef, described as a key figure in PFF's fundraising efforts, has been identified as a longtime ally of Mamdani and a significant Democratic donor. Yousef, who currently resides in London, has made statements on social media criticizing Israel's actions.
The report also mentions that Yousef founded PFF with support from two wealthy donors, Basil Qunibi and Yasser Shahin. Corporate filings in the U.K. confirm Shahin's involvement with PFF, and the organization has a nonprofit arm registered in Delaware. The DHS has not commented on the investigation's specifics, stating that it does not disclose details about ongoing investigations. The report notes that the existence of the investigation does not imply any criminal wrongdoing.