Archewell Foundation, spearheaded by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s charitable efforts through Archewell Foundation, responded swiftly to a contentious situation following demands for an apology from a pro-Palestine advocacy group.
The foundation’s relationship with the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC) was abruptly terminated due to statements made by Janan Najeeb, the organization’s founder. Najeeb’s public pronouncements, including characterizing Israel as an “apartheid state” and utilizing the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” in a published blog post within the Wisconsin Muslim Journal, instigated the immediate action.
Further complicating matters, reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel revealed that Najeeb’s brother, Ihsan Atta, was responsible for creating a mural incorporating imagery reminiscent of Nazi propaganda. As a direct consequence, Archewell ceased all future financial contributions to the MMWC.
Najeeb responded with a formal letter addressed directly to the foundation, articulating her profound dissatisfaction with their decision to withdraw funding in response to her independent analysis concerning the situation in Gaza. She vehemently refuted accusations of promoting hate speech or engaging in propaganda, asserting: “It is in that spirit that I write to express my deep disappointment regarding the Foundation’s decision to revoke funding in response to an independent opinion piece I authored on Gaza. To suggest that the piece constitutes hate speech or propaganda is, at best, a profound misrepresentation.”
Najeeb concluded her correspondence with a pointed request: “Who you fund is ultimately your decision, but we ask that you retract your defamatory statements and issue a public apology, not to salvage our reputation, which remains pristine, but to salvage yours.” She emphasized the MMWC’s established history – encompassing Jewish, Muslim, and Christian staff – and expressed confidence that other reputable organizations would continue to provide support for their vital work.
In response, Archewell Foundation released a formal statement from its Executive Directors, James Holt and Shauna Nep, published on their website. The statement highlighted the foundation’s core principles: “Show Up, Do Good.” They stated that their values were intrinsically linked to those established by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The foundation outlined its approach to funding as follows:
- Funding extends to diverse individuals and organizations, irrespective of differing political views, cultural beliefs, ideologies, or identities.
- A commitment to fostering connection and change through building bridges is central to their strategy.
- They welcome all communities.
“We do not, however, tolerate any form of hate speech, including hate-fueled symbols, language, or imagery—no matter the community it targets,” the statement continued.
Specifically, the foundation expressed an unwillingness to associate with actions like “the blending of the Star of David with a swastika.” Furthermore, they firmly condemned language advocating for the destruction of others, describing such expressions as incompatible with their core values—which are defined as pro-humanity, pro-love, pro-peace, and 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,” the statement concluded.
The Archewell Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing support for Muslim-led organizations and refugee assistance programs, including The Welcome Project and relief efforts in Gaza.
Following public awareness of Najeeb’s statements, GB News reported that a letter was dispatched to the MMWC and its founder last week. It is understood that Archewell Foundation maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding hate speech – specifically targeting the promotion of propaganda – rather than simply differing political opinions.
GB News has sought comment from both Archewell Foundation and Janan Najeeb regarding these developments.