Biden admin invests $100K in Palestinian women’s fitness initiative
The Biden Administration’s Focus on Mental Health and Empowerment for Palestinian Girls and Young Women
The Biden administration has embarked on an exciting new project amidst Israel’s conflict with the terrorist group Hamas. Their aim is to improve the mental health and well-being of 200 adolescent girls and young women in Palestine through engaging weekly running and wellness sessions.
In late September, the U.S. Department of State allocated a $100,000 grant to Free to Run, a nonprofit organization based in Connecticut. Free to Run’s mission is to empower and educate women and girls, using sports as a tool for empowerment and education. The initiative, which is expected to last approximately two years, aims to enhance the resilience of Palestinian girls and young women through running, as stated by the U.S. government.
Addressing the Gap and Challenging Perceptions
“Sports opportunities are extremely limited or even non-existent in the regions we operate in, due to a lack of resources and insecurity,” explains Free to Run on its website. The organization further emphasizes that these limitations are even more severe for women and girls in conflict areas. Free to Run tackles this issue by focusing on outdoor sports, encouraging girls to step outside their usual environments and reclaim public spaces. By doing so, they challenge societal perceptions of the roles women and girls can and should play. The organization creates unique opportunities for participants to experience the outdoors and expand their horizons.
The grant was channeled through the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and highlights the significant amount of funding the U.S. government provides each year to support Palestinian initiatives. However, this allocation has drawn criticism from congressional Republicans who question the use of taxpayer dollars for overseas programs, particularly in light of recent terrorist attacks by Hamas.
Concerns and Frustrations
“Why are we investing American tax dollars toward a running program halfway across the world when we have so many issues that need fixing here at home?” questions Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, expresses his confusion and frustration with the Biden administration’s spending habits, stating, “None of this sh*t surprises me, but these things frustrate the hell out of the American people.”
Free to Run, founded in 2014, has been operating in Afghanistan, where they work with local partners to provide indoor strength and mindfulness training sessions for females. These sessions are conducted cautiously and secretly to mitigate security risks posed by the Taliban. The organization’s financial records indicate that their total expenses in 2022 were $345,000, with revenue amounting to $449,000 and assets totaling $406,000.
Stephanie Case, the founder and president of Free to Run, also serves as the chief of the refugee protection division for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA has faced scrutiny due to its ties with Hamas and the employment of teachers who have celebrated terrorism against Jews. President Joe Biden resumed aid to UNRWA in 2021, despite concerns about terrorism ties and antisemitism within the agency.
While some lawmakers express their concerns about diverting taxpayer money to support foreign initiatives, Free to Run has received previous federal grants. In September of last year, the State Department pledged $50,400 to the organization for leadership skill development through adventure sports in Iraq. Additionally, in April 2019, the Trump administration awarded Free to Run $77,300 to empower and educate young females in various regions and communities.
As of now, Free to Run and the State Department have not responded to requests for comment. Adam Andrzejewski, CEO of the federal spending watchdog group Open the Books, believes that this grant further highlights the need for Congress to scrutinize government spending and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
A Call for Responsible Spending
“I’m signed up for my 10th Chicago Marathon and certainly understand the benefits of running,” says Andrzejewski. “However, there’s no public purpose for this six-figure grant being underwritten by the American taxpayer with every dime borrowed against our national debt.”
Ultimately, the Biden administration’s focus on improving the mental health and empowerment of Palestinian girls and young women through running and wellness sessions aims to create positive change and resilience in the face of adversity.
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$400,000, primarily from private donations and grants.
What were the main sources of private donations and grants contributing to the $400,000 funding for the PAA initiative?
The main sources of private donations and grants contributing to the $400,000 funding for the PAA (Public Arts Association) initiative include:
1. Individual Donors: Many individuals who believe in the cause and mission of the PAA may have made private donations to support the initiative. These individuals could be art enthusiasts, philanthropists, or members of the community who want to contribute to the development of public arts.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Private companies or corporations may have provided grants or sponsorships to the PAA initiative. This could be due to their corporate social responsibility initiatives or their interest in supporting the arts and cultural development within the community.
3. Foundations: Various foundations dedicated to supporting arts and culture may have provided grants to the PAA initiative. These foundations can be local, national, or international in scope and typically have a mandate to fund creative and artistic endeavors.
4. Non-profit Organizations: Other non-profit organizations with a focus on promoting arts and culture may have provided funding for the PAA initiative. These organizations often collaborate with similar initiatives to enhance artistic opportunities and cultural experiences.
5. Fundraising Events: The PAA may have organized fundraising events to raise money for their initiative. These events could include galas, art auctions, benefit concerts, or community initiatives designed to attract public support and contributions.
These sources, among others, likely played a significant role in accumulating the $400,000 funding for the PAA initiative.
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