MassGOP Singles Out Anti-Israel Hate Group Receiving Funding From Maura Healey

Antisemitic Social Media Posts Surface After Five-Figure Grants Doled Out for ‘Environmental Justice’

BOSTON, MA - The Massachusetts Republican Party is calling attention to grants issued last week by the administration of Gov. Maura Healey, including a five-figure sum to a far-left organization which has expounded hate against Israel and promoted pro-Hamas sympathies on social media. 

Sonrisas, a Berkshires-based organization with affiliates in Nicaragua, received a grant totaling $63,361.16 last week from the Healey administration, ostensibly meant for the distribution of food to low-income populations. 

According to public tax filings, Sonrisas is managed by Treasurer Atalanta Sunguroff, a Massachusetts resident who accused Israel of “colonialism” six days after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. 

On March 18, Sunguroff, who partners with Palestinian farmers to distribute food, wrote “Blessed are the martyrs. Prayers and MOBILIZATION for our beloved” on her personal social media account. Screenshots can be seen below. 

“These are atrocious beliefs by an unrepentant supporter of Hamas who is receiving Massachusetts taxpayer dollars thanks to Maura Healey. It is just one example of the lack of vetting by this administration as it doles out grants to hate groups far outside the norm of civilized politics,” said MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale. “Jewish residents should not have to fear that Massachusetts’ government is indirectly financing hate speech.” 

BACKGROUND:

• On May 21, the Healey administration included Sonrisas among a handful of organizations that received $500,000 in state grants to advocate for “environmental justice.” (Mass.gov, 5.21.25)

• 990 forms listed for Sonrisas show Cheshire resident Atalanta Sunguroff is the treasurer for Sonrisas. (ProPublica)

• Sunguroff, whose Instagram handle is @blossoming.resistance, has posted at least two instances of hate against Israel, including blaming the country for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and calling on “martyrs” to oppose the country’s military campaign.