A growing controversy surrounds the financial support provided by British charities to Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Labour MP Melanie Ward has revealed that 32 charities in England and Wales have contributed at least £28 million to these settlements, raising significant ethical and legal concerns. The Charity Commission has been prompted to investigate these organisations following her detailed letter outlining the troubling implications of their funding activities.
Charitable Donations with Controversial Outcomes
Ward, who previously led Medical Aid for Palestinians, highlighted that if the charities have claimed gift aid on their donations, it could mean taxpayers inadvertently subsidised these illegal settlements to the tune of £5.6 million. She expressed her dismay at the situation, labelling it “deplorable” and urging the Charity Commission to take swift action.
In her correspondence, Ward emphasised that the expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestine represents a significant barrier to peace. “Any activity that bolsters the existence and growth of these settlements is extremist and not in the interest of the UK public,” she stated, calling for the removal of these charities from the official register.
Among the charities named, the Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) and UK Toremet have come under particular scrutiny. Last year, it was reported that these two organisations, with UK Toremet acting as an intermediary, had donated approximately £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school located in Susya, a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Investigating the Impact of Charitable Funding
Research conducted by Ward’s team uncovered that KCT has also made contributions to a yeshiva in Hebron. Furthermore, in 2022, UK Toremet donated nearly £39,000 to Regavim, a controversial right-wing organisation that advocates for the demolition of Palestinian homes. This group has been sanctioned by the European Union due to its extremist activities.
Through UK Toremet’s Jgive platform, individuals can make donations to Regavim and other pro-settler entities, including Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata, which has recently come under further scrutiny after the UK government announced sanctions against it.
In response, a spokesperson for UK Toremet contended that the Charity Commission had previously found the organisation to be compliant with legal regulations. They claimed that all Jgive transactions undergo rigorous due diligence, ensuring they align with charitable purposes. Regarding the donation to Regavim, the spokesperson clarified that it was for a project within Israel’s pre-1967 borders and confirmed that Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata is no longer an approved recipient.
When approached for comment, KCT maintained that its donations were for educational initiatives and had received approval from the Charity Commission.
Broader Implications for Charitable Activities
Ward firmly believes that providing funds for the maintenance of illegal settlements contradicts both UK and international law surrounding settlement activity. This stance is supported by numerous international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, as well as ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court regarding potential war crimes.
Yaser Alkam, a Palestinian-American residing in the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya, poignantly articulated the consequences of such funding. “Donating to these outposts and settlements directly impacts Palestinians, the rightful owners of the land,” he asserted. “This financial support enables these crimes to persist and thrive.”
The Charity Commission has acknowledged the gravity of Ward’s allegations and is currently reviewing the issues raised. A spokesperson stated, “We are actively considering the wider legal and compliance matters surrounding charities operating in Palestine. Given the complexity and sensitivity of this issue, we are committed to thorough examination.”
Why it Matters
The financial links between UK charities and illegal Israeli settlements raise critical ethical questions about the role of charitable funding in exacerbating conflict. With millions of pounds potentially funnelling into activities that contravene international law, the implications extend beyond legalities; they touch on the moral responsibilities of charitable organisations and the UK government. As this investigation unfolds, it could lead to significant changes in how charities operate and are regulated, ultimately impacting the broader landscape of humanitarian aid and international relations in the region.
