Do Gaza Blockade Runners Violate U.S. Law?

IsraPundit ^ | 6/18/10 | Bill Levinson

[Winged Hussar]

by Bill Levinson

We received a forwarded E-mail from the 501(c)(3) tax exempt Council for the National Interest FOUNDATION that says in part,

Dear CNI Volunteer in Place, We know that you have probably received our email about the "Boat Brigade" from Lebanon to Gaza. Currently the boats are scheduled to leave on Friday, July 2nd. If you are interested in joining this new attempt to break the siege on Gaza all expenses will be paid. The boat will likely depart from the port of Tarabulus on Friday July 2nd.

If proven, this could easily be cause for revocation of the Council for the National Interest's 501(c)(3) tax exemption because or "activities that are illegal or contrary to public policy"

Violation of constitutionally valid laws is inconsistent with exemption under IRC 501(c)(3). As a matter of trust law, one of the main sources of the general law of charity, planned activities that violate laws are not in furtherance of a charitable purpose. "A trust cannot be created for a purpose which is illegal.

Does conspiracy to violate the laws of another country violate the U.S. Code? The Shurat HaDin Israel Law Center thinks so:

[magellan]

I’m sure Eric Holder will be right on it.

[ronnietherocket2]

Does the US government really have the power to subject Americans to Federal prosecution for violation of another country’s laws? This would seem to be a violation of the prohibition on double jeopardy. At most the government should extradite.

[sbMKE]

Shoot or sink on sight.