1 year ago
89
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity has released a new statement. (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity has released a new statement following the latest reports that they have cut ties with a Muslim organisation after its founder made anti-Israel comments. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has pulled funding to Milwaukee-based Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC), with its founder, Janan Najeeb, saying it was due to an opinion piece she had authored about Palestine.
Ms Najeeb published an opinion piece on the Wisconsin Muslim Journal back in February 2024, saying that "Israel’s 75-year occupation of Palestine and the genocide in Gaza are a grave injustice. We demand a permanent ceasefire, an end to arming the apartheid state of Israel and the liberation of Palestine." She also included a controversial phrase for the Israeli community: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, from the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever." But recently, it emerged that Archewell withdrew its funding from the coalition, claiming her comments "went against" the charity's "values".
Archewell's statement
At the Archewell Foundation, we: Show Up, Do Good. Our values are an extension of those of our founders, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Our funding and grant support extends to individuals and organisations of all walks of life with varying political views, cultural beliefs, ideologies, and identifications. We do not discriminate. We believe change comes from building bridges. We welcome all.
We do not, however, tolerate any form of hate speech, including hate-fueled symbols, language, or imagery—no matter the community it targets. For us, association with the blending of the Star of David with a swastika, is impossible to accept. Additionally, language that calls for the destruction of others, whether explicitly or implicitly, crosses a line. It is not aligned with our values: we are pro-humanity, pro-love, pro-peace, pro-equality.
Out of respect for all of our partners, a responsibility to our donors, and in reflecting the values of our Principals, we make adjustments to our future funding accordingly.
We remain deeply committed to our work with Muslim-led organisations and refugee support programs through The Welcome Project and relief efforts in Gaza.
James Holt and Shauna Nep
Executive Directors, The Archewell Foundation
Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The founder hit back at the claims, saying: "I make no apology for standing up for human rights and speaking out against dehumanisation of all people, including Palestinians."
However, Archewell's executive directors James Holt and Shauna Nep have issued a new bombshell statement regarding the latest axing.
They said that the charity's funding and grant support extends to people and organisations of "all walks of life with varying political views, cultural beliefs, ideologies, and identifications".
They said: "We do not discriminate. We believe change comes from building bridges. We welcome all."
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Archewell's statement. (Image: Archewell Foundation)
But they added that they do not "tolerate any form of hate speech, including hate-fueled symbols, language, or imagery—no matter the community it targets.
"Language that calls for the destruction of others, whether explicitly or implicitly, crosses a line. It is not aligned with our values: we are pro-humanity, pro-love, pro-peace, pro-equality."
The statement concluded: "We remain deeply committed to our work with Muslim-led organisations and refugee support programs through The Welcome Project and relief efforts in Gaza."
Ms Najeeb previously told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Archewell's axing was part of a "broader trend" of organisations distancing themselves from pro-Palestinian views "for fear of retribution".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
English (US) · 
Turkish (TR) · 