By Over the past few years, much has been made of “woke capitalism,” a term defined by conservative New York Times writer Ross Douthat as a phenomenon where large corporations and influential businesses adopt progressive social justice rhetoric and policies. This trend reflects a shift where companies publicly support causes like diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning themselves with contemporary social movements such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability.
Douthat argued that this alignment is often more about signaling virtue and maintaining a positive public image than about genuine commitment to social justice. He suggests that “woke capitalism” allows corporations to placate critics and activists, appeal to younger and more progressive consumers, and distract from less savory aspects of their business practices. The term highlights a tension between the pursuit of profit and the adoption of progressive values, raising questions about the authenticity and impact of these corporate actions.
Now, with leftwing activism turning to the support of Hamas, one major brand has moved from “woke capitalism” to indirectly funding terrorism, according to The Washington Examiner.
Through its tax-exempt private foundation in California, Patagonia has sent more than $139,000 since 2016 to Alliance for Global Justice, tax records show. That same progressive Arizona-based organization, a recent Washington Examiner investigation found, is linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine terrorist group — a fact that prompted donors and payment processors such as PayPal to cut ties with AFGJ amid mounting scrutiny from Congress.
Patagonia’s funding of AFGJ is a window into how major corporations operating in the United States financially boost groups taking aim at the Jewish state of Israel, including AFGJ, which has said it sponsors 140 projects and reported holding $11 million in assets on its most recent tax forms filed with the IRS. One project under AFGJ is Samidoun, an Israeli-designated terrorist coalition that has shared staffers with the PFLP. AFGJ also fundraised in the past for the France-based Collectif Palestine Vaincra, a partner of the PFLP that, along with Samidoun, is protesting in support of Hamas after it killed 1,200 people last year in Israel on Oct. 7.
Terrorism financing analyst and attorney Marc Greendorfer said Patagonia has a clear responsibility under the law to not, even indirectly, fund terrorism.
“Patagonia now knows that it is part of the terror funding apparatus and must take swift action,” Greendorfer, president of Zachor Legal Institute, a think tank that requested the IRS investigate AFGJ’s tax-exempt status, told the Washington Examiner. “If Patagonia is truly committed to not sponsoring or otherwise supporting terror, it will carefully assess its relationship with AFGJ, an organization that has done nothing but increase its activities in support of terrorism since the Oct. 7 massacre.”
The outdoor outfitter has actively thrown its weight behind Democratic political candidates, further cementing its reputation as a champion of liberal environmental and social causes. Founded by Yvon Chouinard, the outdoor apparel company has long been known for its robust commitment to leftwing causes.
In 2018, the company made waves by endorsing two Senate candidates: Jon Tester of Montana and Jacky Rosen of Nevada. Both candidates were noted for their strong advocacy for public lands and environmental protection, values that resonate deeply with Patagonia’s mission. This initiative was part of the company’s broader “Vote Our Planet” campaign, designed to galvanize voters to elect leaders who are dedicated to climate action and conservation efforts.
Both Tester and Rosen have found themselves in tough reelection bids in 2024. Neither have made a statement about their favorite outdoor company’s spending habits.
[Read More: Huge Biden Misstep Almost Led To Terror Attack]
