East London Charity Issues Warning After Fundraising for IDF Soldier
A charity in East London received a warning for fundraising for an IDF soldier, raising concerns about legal compliance and charity regulations.
East London, IDF, Charity, Fundraising, Israel
London: A charity in East London has found itself in hot water after raising funds for a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces. They managed to pull in over £2,000 through an online campaign set up in October 2023, right after the Hamas attacks.
The fundraising page went live on October 13, just days after the conflict escalated. Out of the total raised, about £937 went directly to one soldier, but the Charity Commission pointed out that the charity couldn’t explain how that money was used.
The rest of the funds, around £2,280, were spent on non-lethal military gear for the same soldier. The commission received over 180 complaints about this situation, leading them to conclude that the charity had acted improperly.
In England and Wales, charities can support UK armed forces but can’t provide aid to foreign military groups. This warning marks a significant move by the regulator, as it’s believed to be the first time they’ve issued such a warning for fundraising for a foreign military.
Helen Earner from the commission stated that it’s not acceptable for charities to raise funds for foreign soldiers. The charity has been told to correct its actions and ensure future fundraising aligns with its charitable goals.
Residents have been witnessing the aftermath of the conflict, with damaged streets and homes in areas like Tulkarem. The commission has laid out steps for the charity to follow, emphasizing the need for proper risk management in their activities.
If the charity doesn’t comply, they could face more serious regulatory actions. The trustees admitted they went beyond their intended purpose in this fundraising effort, aiming to provide warm clothing for reservists called up during the conflict.
They expressed gratitude for the guidance from the Charity Commission, acknowledging their misstep. Since October, the commission has opened over 200 cases related to the Middle East conflict, but this particular case hasn’t been referred to the police, as it’s more about charity law than criminal issues.