New York Woman Charged with Funding Terror Attacks Against Israel via Gaza Militant

Catherine Beth Washburn, a 37-year-old woman from New York, has been charged with serious offenses related to aiding the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist organization in Gaza and financing attacks against Israel. According to the New York Department of Justice, Washburn transferred over $30,000 through approximately 80 cryptocurrency transactions to accounts linked to a PIJ militant. She faces a maximum federal sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Investigations revealed that Washburn led an anti-Israel group supporting Gaza shortly after the Simchat Torah massacre. In communications with the PIJ militant, she expressed support for attacks against Israel, stating, "I wish every day was October 7," referencing the date of a major attack. She also wrote that she felt "excited every time I see a report of the killing of an occupation soldier."

During a court hearing, a prosecutor highlighted that Washburn was driven by hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people and made significant efforts to provide financial support to terrorist organizations. She even joked about her potential punishment, saying, "Based on my past fundraising and publications, I’m going to prison for several life sentences," accompanied by a laughing emoji.

FBI Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism, Colt Markowski, stated that anyone supporting terrorist groups domestically will be prosecuted. He emphasized the FBI's commitment to cutting off funding sources for terrorist organizations and working closely with the Department of Justice to ensure full accountability for those involved in terrorism or aiding such groups.