'I Wish Every Day Were October 7': New York Woman Charged with Funding Gaza Terrorists

A woman from upstate New York has been arrested and charged with funding a designated terrorist group. Catherine Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, is accused of sending more than $30,000, raised under the guise of humanitarian aid, to a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

“

If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Washburn, an organizer with the extremist group Direction Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, continued to send funds to an individual identified as H.H. even after he revealed his affiliation with PIJ in February 2025. H.H. allegedly claimed to be part of PIJ's military wing, the Al Quds Brigades, and boasted about participating in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

“

I wish every day were October 7.

The complaint details numerous messages exchanged between Washburn and H.H. In one message, Washburn allegedly stated, "I wish every day were October 7," and expressed hatred for Jewish people. She also reportedly conveyed a desire for Israel's disappearance and the return of all Palestinian land.

“

I hate the Jews very much.

Investigators presented evidence including images of H.H. with weapons and videos of him holding military equipment, which were shared with Washburn. She allegedly responded positively to news of attacks against Israeli soldiers, expressing excitement and pride in earning H.H.'s trust. Washburn also reportedly discussed "missions" with H.H. and approved a t-shirt design featuring terror group logos, which she sold to fundraise.

“

I wish Israel would disappear.