A recent outcry from British MP Melanie Ward has highlighted a troubling trend: at least £28 million has been funnelled from 32 charities in England and Wales to Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Ward, a Labour MP and former chief executive of Medical Aid for Palestinians, has urged the Charity Commission to investigate these organisations, suggesting that if gift aid were claimed, UK taxpayers could unwittingly be subsidising these settlements to the tune of £5.6 million.
Investigation into Charitable Donations
The Charity Commission has been tasked by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to delve into the connections between UK charities and Israeli settlements. This revelation comes at a time when the existence and expansion of these settlements are widely recognised as major obstacles to achieving peace in the region. In a letter to the Commission, Ward stated, “Any activity which supports the maintenance and the expansion of Israeli settlements… is extremist and not of benefit to the UK public.”
Among the charities under scrutiny are the Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) and UK Toremet, both of which have reportedly contributed about £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in the West Bank village of Susya. Such activities raise significant ethical concerns about the role of charitable funding in supporting a contentious and volatile situation.
The Role of Charities in Settlement Activity
Ward’s research, based on documents in both English and Hebrew, indicates that KCT has also provided funds to a yeshiva in Hebron, a city with a complex and troubled history. Additionally, UK Toremet donated £38,479 in 2022 to Regavim, a pro-settler organisation known for advocating the demolition of Palestinian homes. This group has faced sanctions from the European Union due to its extremist activities.
A spokesperson for UK Toremet defended the charity, asserting that it adheres to legal requirements and only processes donations after conducting due diligence. They claimed that the funds directed to Regavim were associated with projects located within Israel’s pre-1967 borders. Interestingly, they noted that Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata, another pro-settler group, was not an approved recipient under their grant-making framework.
Palestinian Perspectives on Charitable Funding
Yaser Alkam, a Palestinian-American residing in the occupied village of Turmus Ayya, expressed grave concerns about the impact of these charitable donations. He stated, “Donating to these outposts and to these settlements is directly affecting Palestinians, the owners of the land in these areas. You’re providing the means for these crimes to continue and to flourish.” His comments underscore the human cost associated with the financial support of illegal settlements.
Ward has emphasised that funding such settlements does not align with UK or international law. This stance is backed by multiple international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, which are investigating potential war crimes related to settlement activities.
Charity Commission’s Response and Future Actions
The Charity Commission has acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised by Ward and is currently assessing the implications of the charitable donations in question. A representative stated, “We know this is a complex and highly contentious issue, and so it is right that we take the time needed to consider these matters fully.”
As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing call for transparency in the operations of charities that appear to be supporting activities contrary to international law. The potential for taxpayer money to be inadvertently supporting illegal settlements underscores the need for stringent oversight and accountability in the charitable sector.
Why it Matters
The implications of this investigation extend far beyond financial figures. The revelation that UK charities may be inadvertently supporting illegal settlements highlights an urgent need for vigilance and reform in how charitable funding is allocated. As the world grapples with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring that charitable contributions genuinely support humanitarian efforts, rather than exacerbating tensions, is crucial for fostering peace and justice in the region.
