Foundation pulls CASA funding

A major foundation has pulled funding from CASA, the Maryland-based immigrants’ rights organization under fire for its recent controversial comments on the Israel-Hamas war. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, which has granted $5 million to CASA over the past 15 years, announced on Wednesday that it was cutting off financial support to the organization.

The foundation said it was “deeply disturbed” by CASA’s statement, which referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “ethnic cleansing” and called for a boycott of Israeli products. The statement, which was later deleted, sparked outrage among Maryland lawmakers and Jewish groups, who demanded an apology from CASA.

In response to the backlash, CASA issued a statement apologizing for its “hurtful and divisive” language. However, lawmakers are seeking a formal apology from the organization, and have threatened to cut off its funding if one is not issued.

Lawmakers seek formal apology

Maryland lawmakers are calling on CASA to issue a formal apology for its controversial comments on the Israel-Hamas war. The organization, which advocates for immigrant rights, came under fire last week for a statement that referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “ethnic cleansing” and called for a boycott of Israeli products.

The statement, which was later deleted, sparked outrage among Jewish groups and lawmakers, who accused CASA of promoting anti-Semitism. In response to the backlash, CASA issued a statement apologizing for its “hurtful and divisive” language.

However, lawmakers are seeking a more formal apology from the organization. State Senator Cheryl Kagan and Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, both Democrats, sent a letter to CASA’s leadership demanding an apology and threatening to cut off its funding if one is not issued.

“We are deeply concerned about the divisive and hurtful language used in CASA’s recent statement,” the letter read. “As elected officials, we cannot and will not allow taxpayer dollars to support organizations that promote hate and bigotry.”

CASA has not yet issued a formal apology, but has said that it is “committed to working with all communities toward a more just and equitable society.” The organization has also faced criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, which has threatened to sue lawmakers if they cut off its funding.