Atlanta's $250K to IMAN Raises Questions Over Gaza Concert Timing
The City of Atlanta allocated over $250,000 to the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), a Chicago-based organisation, as part of a broader effort to support migrants. The funds came from a federal grant aimed at managing the influx of people arriving at US borders. Meanwhile, questions have arisen about how some of the money was used during the same period IMAN hosted a high-profile Gaza benefit concert.
Atlanta's payments to IMAN formed part of a larger $11.75 million allocation from FEMA to assist 'unhoused immigrants'. The city council approved resolutions allowing these funds to flow to several non-profits, including IMAN, without the usual competitive bidding process. Other groups receiving money included the Hispanic Alliance, Inspiritus, the International Rescue Committee, and the Latin American Association.
During the time Atlanta was funding IMAN, the organisation hosted a 'Benefit Concert for Gaza' in Chicago. Proceeds from the event went to Anera, a non-profit accused by two Israeli watchdogs of working alongside terroristsâclaims Anera has firmly denied. Councilmember Andrea Boone stated that Atlanta's funds were meant for food and medical aid but admitted she could not confirm whether any portion supported the Gaza concert.
IMAN's founding executive director, Rami Nashashibi, earns a salary of $225,000. The organisation's funding from Atlanta aligns with broader national spending on migrant support, which reached $1.72 billion before stricter immigration policies under President Trump. No records indicate that any organisation provided financial support to Atlanta during this period, aside from FEMA's homeless immigrant grants.
The city's decision to fund IMAN without competitive procurement has drawn scrutiny, particularly given the timing of the Gaza concert. While officials maintain the money was for humanitarian aid, the lack of clarity on its exact use leaves unanswered questions. Atlanta's approach reflects wider national efforts to manage migrant arrivals, with millions in federal grants distributed to local non-profits.
