An International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) investigation has identified that a UK-registered charity, ‘Mizrachi (UK) Israel Support Trust’, has been fundraising for serving members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and has promoted hate speech through its events. ICJP has issued a complaint to the Charity Commission, urging the regulator to take action for potential violations of UK Charity Law.
Mizrachi: funding war crimes?
ICJP’s investigation found that Mizrachi UK has facilitated fundraising for Israeli military personnel active across the occupied Palestinian territory. In Mizrachi UK-branded fundraising materials, the charity instructed its supporters to donate to soldiers operating in Gaza.
These acts run contrary to the provisions of the Charities Act 2011, specifically the Section 3 prohibition on “providing aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force”, and appear to contravene Mizrachi UK’s stated charitable objectives.
Furthermore, Mizrachi UK’s events and lecture series regularly platform far-right Israeli activists who appear to engage in the promotion of hate speech.
Speakers platformed by Mizrachi UK have been found to have stated, in reference to Gaza, “we are fighting against devils, cruel animals not human beings. No excuses of occupation or human rights stands behind them” and that “we need to drown them like we drowned the Pharoah and his people in Egypt”.
Platforming such dehumanising and violent rhetoric is totally at odds with the role of charities in the UK.
Stirring up racial hatred on behalf of Israel?
Mizrachi UK’s own communications, likewise, were found to contain material likely to stir up racial hatred and/or inflame community tensions, possibly violating UK Charity Law and Equality Act duties. In reference to global protests against Israeli genocide, Mizrachi UK circulated a newsletter in November 2024 saying, “the world is filled with Hamas”.
ICJP has called for a full investigation of Mizrachi UK’s financial, charitable, and public-facing activities, with appropriate action taken in response to any violations of UK Charity Law.
The Canary has contacted Mizrachi for comment.
In January, a UK Charity found to have been fundraising for the Israeli military was issued an official warning by the Commission. ICJP continues to urge proactive investigation and action by the Charity Commission, using all of the regulatory powers available to it.
Mira Naseer, ICJP Legal Officer, has stated:
We continue to find UK-registered charities engaging in acts which violate UK laws and regulatory frameworks, and which may violate international law. Allowing charities in the UK to fundraise for unlawful purposes and spread divisive rhetoric undermines the public’s trust in the charity sector. The Charity Commission must investigate and take serious action against any wrongdoing: a slap-on-the-wrist will not suffice.
Featured image via the Canary
