Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell Foundation has ended its financial support for the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition (MMWC) following the resurfacing of pro-Palestinian statements made by the group’s founder, Janan Najeeb.
The Archewell Foundation had previously awarded MMWC grants of approximately $28,000 in both 2023 and 2024 to support programs such as an Afghan women’s sewing circle in Milwaukee. This initiative aimed to provide a supportive community for Afghan evacuee women through sewing projects and restorative conversations addressing trauma.
The decision to sever ties came after media inquiries highlighted an opinion piece authored by Najeeb in 2024, in which she referred to Israel as an “apartheid state” and used the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” The Archewell Foundation stated that these remarks conflicted with its values and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.
In response, Najeeb defended her statements, asserting her commitment to human rights and expressing disappointment over the foundation’s decision. She argued that characterizing her advocacy as hate speech was a misrepresentation.
GB News
The funding cut has sparked discussions on the balance between free expression and organizational values, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical issues. Supporters of MMWC have initiated fundraising efforts to compensate for the lost funding and continue their community programs.
This development underscores the complexities charities face in aligning their philanthropic endeavors with their stated principles, particularly when addressing contentious international matters.
