(MENAFN) Yale University has funneled $1 million to the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), an organization that financially supports Israel’s military operations, a student advocacy collective revealed on Thursday.

The disclosure came from the Yale Endowment Justice Coalition, a student-run group campaigning for ethical investment practices and greater financial transparency at Yale. Their findings stem from an examination of the university’s 2024 IRS Form 990 Schedule I, which details grants made through Yale’s donor-advised fund program.

“FIDF is an American nonprofit that helps recruit 'lone soldiers' to carry out Israel’s occupation in Palestine and the genocide in Gaza,” the coalition stated firmly.

Critiquing Yale’s donor-advised fund system, the coalition explained how the university facilitates affluent donors in setting up funds via its Office of Planned Giving. Yale assumes legal ownership of these donations, integrates them into its endowment investments, and then annually allocates funds to approved charities.

“Yale takes legal control of the donation, invests it with the university endowment, and annually distributes donations to qualified charities,” the group explained, emphasizing that although donors can recommend recipients, the final authorization rests with Yale.

“While nonprofits like Notre Dame and other foundations restrict charities to those aligned with their mission, Yale evidently approves distributions to those aligned with scholasticide and genocide — against education, and against humanity,” they added, with “scholasticide” denoting the systematic destruction of educational infrastructures.

In response, the Endowment Justice Coalition launched a counter campaign called “Yalies for Humanity,” aiming to raise $15,500 to aid Palestinian families in Khan Younis and southern Gaza, as well as support Health Workers 4 Palestine.

The backdrop to these revelations is the ongoing, devastating military offensive by Israel in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of over 65,100 Palestinians since October 2023 and pushed the region toward famine.

Amplifying international concern, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory confirmed on Tuesday that Israel has perpetrated genocide in Gaza.

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