Israel settlements funded by US duty free tycoons
When travelers shop at dozens of duty free shops at airports worldwide, they may be paying for more than a bottle of vodka or box of chocolates. The Falic family of Florida, owners of the ubiquitous chain of Duty Free Americas shops, funds a generous and controversial philanthropic empire in Israel that runs through the corridors of power and stretches deep into the occupied West Bank. An Associated Press investigation has found that the family has donated at least $5.6m to settler organisations in theoccupied West Bank and East Jerusalem over the past decade, funding synagogues, schools and social services as well as far-right causes considered extreme even in Israel. The Falics’ philanthropy is not limited to the settlements. They support many mainstream causes in the US and Israel. However, they are a key example of how wealthy US donors have bolstered the contentious settlement movement. Critics say activities billed as harmless philanthropy have come at the expense of Pales
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