Source: Al-Jazeera

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F447DB5C-38CB-472C-AD9E-C22B75D17E56.htm

On December 9, 2003 Al-Jazeera reported on the pervasive impact of September 11 on American Muslim charities. The article reports that "groups set up to assist impoverished peoples in areas such as the West Bank, Chechnya and Afghanistan are struggling to hold on to their base support, according to several representatives of the Muslim American community.

Ladale George, a Chicago-based attorney who advises more than 30 American Muslim charities, said there has been an estimated 40% reduction in financial support since 11 September for the groups he represents.

He attributed the problem to widespread concerns among donors that Islamic charities with global operations are still heavily scrutinised by law enforcement agencies.

'I think the biggest reason for the drop off is a fear that the unproven allegations made against the [Muslim] charities will be levelled against the donors,' George said.

The allegations he is referring to involved Global Relief Foundation, Benevolent International Foundation (BEF) and the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development.

The three American Islamic charities had their assets seized by the government amid accusations of financial ties to 'terrorist groups'."