ICJP calls on Attorney General to revoke charity status for British-based group involved in funding illegal Israeli settlements and Israeli military
London, 21st August 2024- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written to the Attorney General’s Office, calling on him to use his powers to revoke the charity status for the Jewish National Fund (JNF) UK for its role in funding the Israeli military and supporting Israel’s illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
ICJP’s letter to Attorney General Richard Hermer KC cites his responsibility as parens partiae, which means he is the protector of charities and the charity sector in the UK. This role includes the duty to ensure that charities are not participating in unlawful activities. The letter therefore calls on the Attorney General to revoke JNF UK’s charitable status as a matter of public interest. ICJP now awaits the Attorney General’s response.
JNF UK is a registered charity in the UK with the charity number 225910. This means that it receives benefits of charitable status including Gift Aid, meaning JNF can claim tax relief from the government on donations made to them.
The British-based group is also a partner of Israel-based Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL), founded in 1901. JFN-KKL has been involved in historic and present-day property theft in the oPt, ongoing displacement of Palestinians and destruction of the natural environment.
The move comes following a precedent being established in Canada with regards to JNF UK’s sister organisation JNF Canada. On the 25th July 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) notified JNF Canada that its support of the military infrastructure in Israel meant that it would lose its charitable status. A financial audit by CRA had found that donations had been used to build military infrastructure for the Israeli army, in violation of Canada’s Tax Code.
ICJP’s letter also follows previous complaints to the Charity Commission, expressing the concern that UK donors and UK Gift Aid may be given to organisations that are complicit in funding illegal Israeli settlements and war crimes. The Charity Commission responded to complaints saying that action plans had been issued, but did not release the details of the action plan. Instead, the Attorney General must use his powers to intervene to fulfil his duties in ensuring that charities are not participating in unlawful activities.
Senior Legal Officer Dania Abul Haj has said:
“For too long, the JNF has been allowed to fund illegal Israeli settlements and the Israeli military, throughout a genocide. Not only have they been allowed to continue operating for over a century, but they actually receive tax exemptions from the British government.
This cannot be allowed to continue and its up to the Attorney General to use his powers to put a stop to this. Canada has shown there is a precedent and its time for the new UK government to do the same.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- Reports of Canada’s decision to revoke JNF Canada’s charitable status can be found here.
- ICJP’s complaint to the Charity Commission regarding UK Gift Aid can be found here.
- For more information, to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, or to view a full copy of the letter, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].