Islamic charitable funds

Appendix C

Ttransfer of funds from the Union of Good through Al-Tadhamun to the Hamas-affiliated Tulkarm Charity Committee.

Overview

The Tulkarm Charity Committee (Lajnat Zakat Tulkarm) was founded in 1981. Like the other “charitable societies,” it operates with the permission of the PA, although in effect it is affiliated with Hamas and is part of its civilian infrastructure (da’wah) in the Tulkarm area. For that reason it was outlawed by Israel in 2002.

The Committee is headed by Hamas activist Husni Hassan Khawajah, who was born in the town of Dhanabeh near Tulkarm. He was a teacher, school principal and merchant. Many of the Committee’s important members are also recognized as Hamas-affiliated by both Israel and the PA. In 1996 a number of them were arrested by the PA as part of its efforts to reduce the influence of the Hamas-affiliated “charitable societies” and “charity committees.”

Like other “charitable societies” and “charity committees,” the Tulkarm Charity Committee engages in a wide range of cultural, religious and economic activities. However, documents found in its offices in April 2002 clearly showed that it also engages in activities which support Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure and that it is active in fomenting hatred and terrorism against Israel.

Among the documents were detailed lists of the transfer to the families of terrorists of funds originating with the Saudi Arabian Committee for the Support of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, which is part of the UG. For example, the tenth series of payments from the Saudi Arabian Committee included funds transferred to eight families of terrorists who were specifically referred to as each having been killed during the perpetration of a suicide bombing attack (amaliyyah istishhadiyyah). In some instance the place of the attack was noted (“suicide bombing attack in Afula,” for example. See below.)

A document found in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee during OperationDefensive Shield (April 2002) dealing with the support of a Palestinian family. The letterhead contains the address of the UG and states that the project is funded by the Saudi Arabian Committee for the Support of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. (The Saudi Arabian Committee, an important member of the UG, also transferred funds to the families of shaheeds, including those who perpetrated suicide bombing attacks in Israeli cities.)

In addition, documents and posters were found encouraging terrorist attacks. For example:

A large poster of ‘Abd al-Basit Muhammad ‘Odeh,¹ who perpetrated the suicide bombing attack during the Passover Seder at the Park Hotel in Netanya ( March 27, 2002), in which 29 Israeli civilians were killed (which led to Operation Defensive Shield). It was issued by the Izzedine al-Qassam Battalions of the Hamas in Tulkarm.

1. His personal file was also found in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee among those of shaheeds whose families received financial support

A handbill hung in the mosque of encouraging remarks made by the mother of suicide bomber Muhammad Fathi Farhat supporting suicide bombing attacks and calling to the women of “ Palestine” not to keep their sons from “martyrdom” and jihad . [Note: Muhammad Farhat, who came from Saja’iyah in the Gaza Strip, died during the suicide bombing attack on Atzmona on March 7, 2002. He infiltrated the Jewish religious boarding school and shot at students, killing five and wounding 24).

Material about the Izzedine al-Qassam Battalions, attacks they perpetrated, “information,” pictures of shaheeds, quotes from Yehya Ayyash (“the engineer,” who headed the Hamas terrorist-operative infrastructure in the PA-administered territories and was responsible for the death and wounding of more than 100 Israel civilians). A small poster of ‘Abdallah ‘Azzam and quotations from his works were also found.²

2. ‘Abdallah ‘Azzam was a Palestinian from the Jenin region and Osama bin Laden’s “spiritual mentor.” He is considered Al-Qaeda’s most important ideologue.

The Tulkarm Charity Committee is supported by the same organizations abroad which support Hamas’ civilian infrastructure in the PA-administered territories: the American Holy Land Foundation (until it was closed by the American government in December 2001), the World Assembly of Muslim Youth in Saudi Arabia, Interpal in Britain, the Comité de Bienfaisance et de Secours aux Palestiniens in France and IRFAN in Canada.

Part of one of the lists dealing with the transfer of funds to the families of shaheeds, including those who perpetrated suicide bombing attacks, found in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee.

Nazir Muhammad Mahmoud Hammad is number 91 on the 102-name list of the Saudi Arabian Committee for the Support of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. He is noted as having died during a “suicide action.” On a Hamas-issued poster to commemorate his memory (which appears above the list) he is said to have perpetrated “an excellent suicide action” on October 4, 2001 (a reference to the shooting attack on the central bus station in Afula on October 4, 2001, in which three Israeli citizens were killed and 14 wounded). The list, and others like it dealing with financial aid for the families of shaheeds (including the families of suicide bombers), was found among the documents in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee during Operation Defensive Shield (April 2002). The aid finances Hamas’ terrorism-supporting infrastructure.

Appendix C (1)

The transfer of financial aid by the Union of Good to the Tulkarm Charity Committee through Al-Tadhamun in Nablus³

3. From documents found in the Arab Bank file in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee, February 2, 2004.

Translation

I In the name of Allah the all-merciful

Tulkarm Charity Committee

			The Palestinian National Authority
			Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs
			Charity Fund Department

Date of note: 31.12.2002			Receipt No. 301/2002
	Receipt
Date of deposit or withdrawal: 18.3.2002			Daily log:
Itemization			To			From
			Dinars	Fils		Dinars	Fils
From: Transfer (?) / Cairo Amman Bank/T/Dollar						7373	600
To: Transfer (?) / Fund			7373	600
Transfer from the Union of Good throughAl-Tadhamun – Nablus According to check no. 32 + 34 to the sum of $5000 + $5400 To support Palestinian produce and the olive harvest⁴ at the rate of 7.9 dinars Upon presentation of payment voucher no. 12797, 31/12/2002
Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-three dinars and 600 fils			7373	600		7373	600
[Signature] Comptroller Authorization [blank]		[Handwritten addition:] Received			[Signature] Accountant

4. Support for Palestinian produce and the olive harvest is provided by Hamas and not the Palestinian Authority, enabling Hamas to wield more influence with the agrarian population.

Appendix C (1)

Original Document

Appendix C (2)

Receipt for financial aid transferred by the Union of Good to the Tulkarm Charity Committee⁵

5. From documents found in the Arab Bank file in the offices of the Tulkarm Charitable Society on February 25, 2004.

Translation

In the name of Allah the all-merciful

In the words of Allah, may he be exalted: “And those in whose wealth is the recognized right for the needy (who ask and one who is presented [for asking for some reason]) ” [Qur’an, Surah 70 (Al-Ma’arij), Verses 24-25]

Number: [left blank]	[PA emblem]	The State of Palestine [sic]
		Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs
		Charity Fund Department
		Tulkarm Charity Committee

Bill of lading

[Receipt No] B No 16797

Dinars [crossed out in original] Fils [crossed out in original]

$10,400

Received from : The gentlemen of the Union of Good through Al-Tadhamun Charitable Society

Amount : Ten thousand four hundred dollars.

For : Support of Palestinian produce and the olive harvest. Transfer according to check no. 32 + 34 dated 18/3/2002. For the Society’s account in the Cairo Bank.

Date : 31.12.2002.

[Signature]

Authorization: Accountant

Appendix C (2)

Original Document

Appendix C (3)

Bank transfer from the Union of Good to Tulkarm Charity Committee⁶

6. The case of the missing footnote!

Translation

Cairo Amman Bank

Statement of Account

Cairo Amman Bank

Tulkarm

Printing Date:

Printing Time:

16/5/2002

11:07:59

The honorable gentlemen, the Tulkarm Charity Committee

			Account No:		02/500/271237/00
			Account Type:		Checking
			Currency:		American dollars
Balance	Transaction	Credit		Debit	Valuta Date	Description	DDate
52875.19C						Balance transferred	14/02/02
42875.19C				10,000.00	14/02/02	Check to cash 000000000521	14/02/02
48275.19C		5,400.00		[Handwritten note] Union of Good	18/03/02	Check [local] currency 00000000034	18/03/02
53275.19C		5,000.00		[Handwritten note] Union of Good, Palestinian produce	18/03/02	Check [local] currency 00000000032	18/03/02
68270.19C		14,995.00			16/05/02	Incoming check / Qatar Charitable Society	16/05/02

[Handwritten note:] The transfer of the Qatar Charitable Society – food packages

C=Credit

D=Debit

25,395.00

10,000.00

Transactions total

Transactions number

Automatic payment of Palestinian Communications Company bills – a new service
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Appendix C (3)

Original Document

Appendix C (4)

Defining Tulkarm Charity Committee needs to the Union of Good, including terrorism-related needs (financial aid to families of shaheeds, prisoners and the wounded)⁷

7. From documents found in the Arab Bank file in the offices of the Tulkarm Charity Committee, February 25, 2004.

Translation

In the name of Allah the all-merciful

Ministry of Religious Endowments			Palestinian National Authority
Tulkarm Charity Committee			Department of Charity Funds
Email: zakat_tulkarem@hotmail.com		Fax: 2678316	Telephone: 2673172
[Gregorian] Date: 9.2.2003	Date: 8 Dhu al-Qi'dah, Hejira year 1423

[To:] The dear brothers of the Union of Good

In re: The needs of the Tulkarm district

May peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and his blessings.

To the matter at hand: After having examined the situation in the district and its needs were thoroughly studied, I would like to go into detail, as follows:

1. Aid:
A. Organizing a monthly food operation – a minimum of 5,000 food packages per month.
B. Financial support for families – a minimum of 2,000 families.

2. Education:
A. School bags – a minimum of 17,000 school bags.
B. Partial payment of school and university fees.
C. School uniforms.
D. Support of charity schools to develop their functioning and raise their level.

3. Humanitarian projects:
A. Construction of a school.
B. Construction of cultural centers.
C. Establishment of endowment projects to support various [other] projects.
D. Construction of mosques.
E. Construction of orphanage.
F. Construction of a center for vocational education of young men and women.
G. Construction of a workshop to employ workmen.
H. Construction of an assembly hall for lectures and public events.
I. Construction of a center to foster the gifted and creative.

4. Health
A. Support of hospitals with medications, medical equipment, instruments and salaries.
B. Signing agreements for needy families.
C. Organizing free public medicine.
D. Organizing specific medical operations [to deal with] specific diseases.

5. Da’wah:⁸A. Support for the construction of public libraries and mosques.

8. Da’wah, literally “preaching, reading, propaganda; in reality religious-cultural indoctrination which uses all the communications media among people to change their culture and to turn them into believing [Muslims];” from Uriah Forman,Islamiun [Hebrew], Ma’arachot Publishing, Tel Aviv 2002, p. 322.

B. Printing and distributing da’wah publications.⁹
C. Distributing audio cassettes of lectures.¹⁰D. Establishing a local TV station.
E. Support of competitions.
F. Encouraging traditional dress among young women interested in commitment [to Islam] by distributing free garments.

6. Children:¹¹
A. Clothing for the two holidays [Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr].
B. Winter clothing (outer garments).
C. Heating (blankets)
D. Holiday gifts.
E. Support for summer clubs [i.e., camps].¹²
F. Establishing a mobile library for children in outlying areas.
G. Support of kindergartens.
H. Constructing a clubhouse for children.

7. Orphans:
A. Covering the auxiliary study program in the schools.
B. Covering medical treatment program.
C. Covering the educational program.
D. Covering leisure time programs.

8. Individuals with special needs:
A. Establishing a department to provide natural treatments for the handicapped of the intifada.

9. Many of which were found in the offices of various “charitable societies” and “charity committees,” and some of which preach hatred and terrorism.
10. According to a document found in the offices of the Hamas-affiliated Sunnah and Qur’an Association, the Association manufactures “preaching cassettes which will strengthen individuals in their contacts with the enemy.” The cassettes in question deal with indoctrination intended to influence those recruited to Hamas to perpetrate acts of terrorism.
11. There is nothing altruistic in Hamas’ support of children and orphans. It is used to indoctrinate them with Hamas’ variety of radical Islam and to create a new generation of Hamas supporters and activists.
12. The children at the summer camps are inundated with messages of hatred and terrorism, and often receive semi-military training.

B. Establishing a vocational training center for those who are handicapped as a result of the intifada.
C. Covering the expense of purchasing auxiliary equipment for handicapped mobility.
D. Establishing a club for senior citizens to treat and ease the situations of those who have no one to support them.

9. Buildings which were destroyed and damaged:¹³A. Constructing houses to replace those which were destroyed.
B. Participating in repairs.
C. Providing immediate aid.

10. Seasonal projects:
A. Sacrifices.
B. Fast-ending [meals during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan].
C. Charity for the end of the fast.

11. Agricultural workers:
A. Purchasing olive oil from the growers and distributing it to the poor.
B. Aiding olive growers during the harvest by sending laborers.
C. Purchasing dairy products, processing them and distributing them to the poor.
D. Providing aid in constructing roads in agricultural areas.
E. Purchasing poultry from farmers and distributing it to the poor.
F. Purchasing eggs from farmers and distributing them to the poor.

12. Absorption and employment:
A. Programs for the employment of laborers and professionals.
B. Programs for the employment of engineers.
C. Programs for the employment of teachers and propagandists.

13. Training:
A. Funding limited income-bearing programs for needy families.
B. Providing various courses for girls by establishing a special center.

13. Such aid is also given to families whose houses were razed by Israeli security forces, which destroy the homes of terrorists who perpetrated suicide bombing attacks; in all probability, such aid increases the motivation of would-be Palestinian terrorists to involve themselves in the perpetration of such attacks.

14. Prisoners:¹⁴
A. Monthly financial aid to the families of married prisoners.
B. Providing aid to prisoners within their prison cells.
C. Aid for the prisoners’ lawyers.

15. Martyrs [sic] (shaheeds):
A. To take responsibility for the families of married shaheeds.
B. To provide financial support for the tuition of the children of shaheeds, especially for those who are university students.

16. The wounded:
A. Aid for the families of married wounded individuals, especially the crippled or those who need an extended period of therapy.
B. Covering the costs of treatment.

17. Youth:
A. Support of youth clubs.
B. Support of various youth activities.

Chairman of the Charity Committee
Hosni Hassan al-Khawajah [Hamas activist, head of the Tulkarm Charity Committee]
Copy for the general file
Copy for the specific file

B. Kh./M.S.

14. The support of prisoners, the wounded and the families of shaheeds is another aspect of Hamas’ terrorism supporting infrastructure.

Appendix C (4)

Original Document

Table of Contents

Appendix D