In a startling revelation, Labour MP Melanie Ward has highlighted that 32 charities based in England and Wales have funneled over £28 million to Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. This financial support, if gift aid is applied, could mean taxpayers have effectively subsidised these settlements to the tune of £5.6 million. The situation has prompted the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to direct the Charity Commission to investigate the connections between UK charities and these contentious settlements.
Charitable Donations or Funding Extremism?
Ward, who once led Medical Aid for Palestinians, has taken a firm stance against these charities, urging the Charity Commission to conduct a thorough investigation. In her letter to the regulator, she pointed out that the expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestine is widely recognised as a significant barrier to achieving peace. She described the activities funded by these charities as extremist and detrimental to the interests of the UK public, warning that they may contribute to breaches of international law.
Among the charities under scrutiny are the Kasner Charitable Trust and UK Toremet. These organisations reportedly contributed approximately £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school located in Susya, a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ward’s research, which examined documents in both English and Hebrew, revealed that the Kasner Trust also financed a yeshiva in Hebron. Additionally, UK Toremet donated £38,479 to Regavim, a pro-settler group known for advocating for the demolition of Palestinian homes—an organisation that has faced EU sanctions for its activities.
The Role of UK Toremet and its Compliance
UK Toremet has defended its actions, stating that the Charity Commission had previously deemed it compliant with legal standards. The charity claims to process donations through the Jgive platform only after thorough due diligence, ensuring that funds are directed towards projects aligned with charitable purposes. A representative clarified that the donation to Regavim was intended for a project within Israel’s pre-1967 borders, and asserted that Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata, another pro-settler group, was not an approved beneficiary under UK Toremet’s guidelines.
Conversely, the Kasner Charitable Trust maintains that its contributions are strictly for educational purposes, having been vetted by the Charity Commission. However, Ward argues that funding illegal settlements fundamentally contradicts the principles of charity as outlined by UK and international law. This stance is echoed by international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, which have consistently condemned such activities.
Voices from the Ground: The Palestinian Perspective
Yaser Alkam, a Palestinian-American resident of Turmus Ayya in the occupied West Bank, shared his perspective, highlighting the tangible impact of such donations on Palestinian lives. Having faced violence from settlers while harvesting olives, Alkam stated, “Donating to these outposts and these settlements is directly affecting Palestinians, the rightful owners of the land.” He emphasised that financial support for these settlements perpetuates a cycle of violence and dispossession, enabling illegal activities to thrive.
In light of these accusations, a spokesperson for the Charity Commission has confirmed that they are thoroughly examining the serious concerns raised by Ward. They acknowledge the complexity of the legal and compliance issues surrounding charities operating in Palestine and are dedicated to ensuring a careful review of the situation.
Why it Matters
The implications of this investigation extend far beyond financial accountability; they touch upon the ethical considerations of charitable giving in the context of international law and human rights. As scrutiny of these charities intensifies, the findings could reshape how charitable organisations operate in politically sensitive areas. The potential misuse of taxpayer money to support illegal settlements raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of charities and the need for a more stringent regulatory framework to prevent complicity in human rights violations. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the profound impact that financial decisions can have on vulnerable communities and the ongoing struggle for justice in the region.
