UK Jewish charity warned over alleged Israeli fundraising

Mizrachi UK, a Jewish charity, has been issued a warning by The Charity Commission over allegations that it raised funds for the Israeli military, according to the Middle East Eye and agencies on November 21st.

The warning came after a seven-month investigation into the organisation following a complaint by the UK-based International Centre of Justice of Palestinians (ICJP) over the charity’s alleged fundraising for active-duty Israeli troops. The charity has also been accused of hosting speakers who promoted hate speech.

The ICJP is an independent organisation of lawyers, academics and politicians which provides legal support for Palestinians.

Mizrachi UK has been accused of promoting a fundraising appeal, with the intention of giving equipment to to Israeli soldiers, an activity not deemed charitable under British law. Charities in the UK are required to serve a purpose that is deemed beneficial to the public.

According to the charity’s website, it is “the UK’s leading framework for religious Zionism”, and its stated goal is “to strengthen Jewish identity and support Israel where it is most needed.”

Mizrachi UK is not the only UK-based pro-Israel charity to come under scrutiny over its alleged complicity in Israel’s military operations, that was declared a genocide by the UN on September 16th.

The ICJP urged the UK attorney general to revoke the charitable status of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) in August 2024, over the organisation’s role in funding illegal Israeli settlements as well as Israel’s military.

Since it was founded in 1901, the JNF has been involved in the forced displacement of Palestinians and in destroying the natural environment of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The JNF’s UK arm donated £1 million to an Israeli militia that operates in the Occupied West Bank between 2015 and 2018, despite UK legislation prohibiting charities from taking part in political activity.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is listed as an honorary patron of the JNF, and has reportedly been considered for a leading role in the governing of a post-war Gaza. It was reported in January 2024, that Blair was accused of promoting the displacement of Palestinians.

Middle East Eye and agencies, Mizrachi UK, Maghrebi.org