Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) campaign paid a pro-Palestinian activist who previously raised money for West Bank refugee camps that Israeli officials say have been linked to Hamas and other militant groups, according to a Washington Examiner review of campaign records.
According to the report, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign paid Naurin Islam $375 in early June for “community event entertainment” before the congresswoman appeared at an Eid celebration hosted by Islam’s organization.
Islam serves as deputy director of Sapna NYC, a Bronx-based nonprofit that provides support services for immigrant communities.
The organization’s website identifies Islam as part of its leadership team and outlines Sapna NYC’s focus on assisting immigrant families, particularly those from South Asian communities.
A spokesperson for Sapna NYC told the Washington Examiner that Islam’s work providing henna services at the Eid event and her fundraising efforts for Palestinian humanitarian aid were performed in her personal capacity and were separate from her duties at the nonprofit.
The Washington Examiner reported that Ocasio-Cortez appeared days after the payment at an Eid celebration hosted by Sapna NYC.
The campaign expense was listed in Federal Election Commission disclosures as payment for event-related entertainment.
Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign and Islam did not respond to requests from the Washington Examiner for comment about the payment or Islam’s fundraising efforts.
Islam has previously organized a fundraising campaign seeking donations for Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank.
In the GoFundMe campaign, Islam said she visited the al-Am’ari refugee camp in Ramallah in 2024 and sought assistance for communities in al-Am’ari, Tulkarem, and Jenin.
She said donations would help provide resources such as food, clothing, and supplies for residents facing difficult conditions.
The fundraising effort has drawn attention because Israeli officials have raised security concerns about militant activity in some of the camps named in the fundraiser.
According to the Washington Examiner, Israeli authorities have described the Tulkarem and Jenin refugee camps as areas where Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other armed groups have operated.
The report also cited Israeli security officials who said suspects connected to an alleged Hamas cell were arrested at the al-Am’ari camp in 2025.
Islam’s fundraiser referenced the impact of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and described shortages affecting Palestinian refugee communities.
She cited reduced international assistance after allegations that some United Nations Relief and Works Agency employees participated in the attack and said some refugee camp coordinators had lost sources of income.
The fundraiser stated that donations were intended to help provide basic necessities.
The Washington Examiner’s findings come as questions continue over the relationship between elected officials, advocacy groups, and individuals involved in international humanitarian efforts.
The Washington Examiner’s findings have also raised questions about the separation between nonprofit work, personal activism, and political activity.
Sapna NYC said it takes its 501(c)(3) responsibilities seriously and does not engage in prohibited political activity through the organization.
The group added that employees may participate in political campaigns or other activities in their personal capacities and personal time.
The Washington Examiner reported that Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign and Islam did not respond to requests for comment regarding the payment or the fundraising efforts.
