Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation has issued an emergency statement after a pro-Palestine organisation demanded an apology.
The Foundation had severed its relationship with the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition (MMWC) following comments by its founder, Janan Najeeb.
Najeeb described Israel as an "apartheid state" and used the phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" in a blog post on the Wisconsin Muslim Journal.
In addition, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a mural encompassing Nazi propaganda was created by Najeeb's brother, Ihsan Atta.
Meghan Markle and Harry's Foundation issues emergency statement after pro-Palestine group demands apology
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Archewell ceased making any future donations to the MMWC as a result, to which Najeeb responded with an open letter to the Foundation.
She wrote: "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."
The organisation leader concluded: "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.
"With MMWC’s proven track record—driven by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian staff—we are confident that more credible foundations and generous donors will continue to support this vital work."
The Archewell Foundation has issued an emergency statement on its website
Archewell
Harry and Meghan's Foundation has now issued "A Statement from the Executive Directors" on its website.
It reads: "At the Archewell Foundation, we: Show Up, Do Good. Our values are an extension of those of our founders, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
"Our funding and grant support extends to individuals and organizations of all walks of life with varying political views, cultural beliefs, ideologies, and identifications.
"We do not discriminate. We believe change comes from building bridges. We welcome all.
The MMWC issued a response to Archewell after the Foundation cut its funding
MMWC
"We do not, however, tolerate any form of hate speech, including hate-fueled symbols, language, or imagery—no matter the community it targets.
"For us, association with the blending of the Star of David with a swastika, is impossible to accept.
"Additionally, language that calls for the destruction of others, whether explicitly or implicitly, crosses a line. It is not aligned with our values: we are pro-humanity, pro-love, pro-peace, 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.
James Holt pictured with Prince Harry in 2022
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"We remain deeply committed to our work with Muslim-led organizations and refugee support programs through The Welcome Project and relief efforts in Gaza.
"James Holt and Shauna Nep. Executive Directors, The Archewell Foundation."
After Najeeb's comments were brought to light, GB News understands that a letter was sent to MMWC and its founder last week.
It is also understood that the Archewell Foundation has a zero tolerance policy towards hate speech, and that the decision was based on the promotion of propaganda — not political views.
GB News has contacted both Archewell and Janan Najeeb for comment.
