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Last month, Hatem Naji Fariz, formerly convicted in the US of providing material support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), traveled to Jordan as a representative of United Hands Relief (UHR). During his trip, Fariz posted a video on his social media claiming that “the only way” to get materials into Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict, is via Jordan. Fariz’s trip raises serious concerns, given his documented history with PIJ, his continued involvement with organizations allegedly tied to terrorism, and Jordan’s embrace of terrorists.

Histories of Terrorism Ties

Fariz’s past is marred by his association with PIJ, a US designated terrorist organization. In 2006, Fariz pled guilty to conspiracy charges of providing material support to PIJ through a PIJ network based in the Tampa, Florida area. He and his co-defendants were accused of funneling money and resources to PIJ to be used in terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, against Israeli civilians. Fariz was sentenced to prison for his role.

Fariz’s terror-related criminal history makes his travel to the Middle East alarming. This past July, UHR signed a working agreement with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) to be able to ship materials into Gaza via Jordan. Fariz was sent by UHR to oversee the shipments. Jordan, despite being a nation that enjoys close economic and military ties with the United States, has a disturbing history with terrorism.

Jordan has allowed a number of high-profile terrorists to call its nation “home.” They include Rasmea Odeh, a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member deported from the US for concealing her role in two 1969 bombings in Israel, and Alham Al-Tamimi, responsible for the 2001 Sbarro restaurant bombing in Jerusalem that killed 16 people, including three Americans. Despite a bilateral extradition treaty, Jordan refuses to hand over Al-Tamimi to the US.

A Troubling Visit to PIJ-Linked Sites in Israel

Fariz’s trip to Jordan is not his first venture into the region. In recent years, Fariz has made numerous trips to Israel, including visits to locations directly linked to PIJ. During one such visit, in February 2020, he paid homage to Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, the individual who was the inspiration for the founding of PIJ, by visiting al-Qassam’s tomb.

Articles this author has previously written detailed these disturbing trips, underscoring the extent of Fariz’s ongoing association with PIJ. Such behavior cannot be dismissed as innocent tourism; it signals an alignment with terrorist ideology that must not be ignored.

The Role of United Hands Relief

UHR, not unlike its representative Hatem Fariz, has faced its own controversies. This past September, the influential US House Ways and Means Committee recommended that the IRS revoke the tax-exempt status of UHR and eight other nonprofits for their alleged “illegal activities” involving anti-Israel protests on college campuses. The committee also alleged potential terrorist links to UHR and brought up Fariz’s background and role in the group as UHR Treasurer.

Concerns surrounding UHR extend to its top leadership. UHR President and CEO Suleiman Alghanem was previously the Executive Director of Baitulmaal, a US nonprofit accused of funding Hamas proxies in Gaza. According to IRS filings, UHR was initially registered under the name “Baitulmaal Relief and Development,” suggesting the two groups were connected well beyond Alghanem’s involvement.

UHR’s Chairman is former Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and Muslim Brotherhood acolyte Safaa Zarzour. In August 2014, Zarzour used his social media to post a prayer for divine “revenge” against Israel and those who fail to support Gaza’s “victory.” The same day, Zarzour posted a complaint about the lack of religious rulings (fatwas) in favor of victory for “Palestinian Jihad,” after “fatwas were running daily in the victory of Afghan Jihad.”

Fariz’s Video Re Jordan

In a video filmed during his Jordan trip, Fariz describes the nation as being “the only way” to get materials into Gaza. His commentary not only underscores the strategic value of Jordan in regional conflicts, but also raises concerns about the possible exploitation of Jordan’s borders by individuals with ties to terrorism – in this case operating under the guise of humanitarian work.

Given the country’s record, the Jordanian government most likely considers Fariz’s terrorist past a non-issue. On his social media, Fariz posted a picture from the Jordan trip depicting him pointing his finger towards Israel with the following foreboding message: “Palestine is in the heart, and we will meet soon.”

The Need for Vigilance

Fariz’s continued activities highlight the need for vigilance by governments and organizations that prioritize national security. His past history with PIJ, his troubling visits to extremist sites in the Middle East, and his leadership role in a nonprofit embroiled in terror-linked controversy collectively point to an individual whose actions require intense scrutiny.

As Fariz leverages his position within UHR to engage in activities that potentially blur the lines between humanitarian work and ideological support for extremism, the burden falls on institutions to ensure that such figures do not have the opportunity to abuse their platforms. This responsibility extends to the IRS, as it considers the House Ways and Means Committee’s recommendation to revoke UHR’s tax-exempt status.

Hatem Fariz’s enduring associations with terrorism demand accountability.

Beila Rabinowitz, Director of Militant Islam Monitor, contributed to this report.