Beth Ami Congregation; Boca Raton

👏🏼A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: For years, we at ISGAP investigated Qatar Foundation International (QFI), a U.S.-based arm of Qatar’s ruling family’s education network, and uncovered what we believe was a far-reaching influence campaign operating under the banner of Arabic language and cultural education. Our research found that QFI directed more than $65 million into over 220 American educational programs, reaching schools, universities, and teacher-training initiatives across the country. Now, QFI has informed its partners that it is winding down its U.S. operations — and it happened just 1 week after our latest report exposing them.

Charles Small, our executive director of ISGAP, said the reported closure would not eliminate concerns about Qatari influence in U.S. education.

“While we welcome QFI’s…closure, the broader network of influence remains intact,” Small told JNS.

“The lesson here is simple: protecting American education cannot depend on the voluntary withdrawal of foreign-funded organizations,” he said.

Dr. Charles also added that Congress should ensure that “foreign funding and influence in American educational institutions, and throughout our nation, are subject to the transparency and accountability the public deserves.”

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