Wednesday 15 January 2025

UK Charity Under Investigation for Funding Israeli Military Activities

UK Charity Under Investigation for Funding Israeli Military Activities

Politics | 4 months ago

By Harris Omar

The UK's Charity Commission is investigating complaints against Achisomoch Aid Company for allegedly facilitating donations to an Israeli charity supplying equipment to soldiers in Gaza.

The Achisomoch Aid Company (AAC) is under scrutiny following a complaint from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP). The complaint alleges that AAC's fundraising services to the Israeli medical charity Ezrat Achim may involve complicity in war crimes amid serious concerns about Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Ezrat Achim's fundraising efforts, which have included requests for 'combat and tactical equipment' for Israeli soldiers, have raised alarms. The ICJP highlighted a campaign for donations aimed at supplying drones, protective gear, and other military equipment to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), drawing attention to the potential legal ramifications of such support.

As the investigation unfolds, AAC has emphasized its commitment to compliance, claiming that it regularly assesses the charities it collaborates with. However, the ICJP's concerns regarding AAC's operations have not yet elicited a response, raising questions about the transparency of the charity's practices.

The Charity Commission has previously opened cases regarding Jewish charities linked to fundraising for Israeli military efforts, reflecting a growing demand for accountability in the context of the ongoing Gaza genocide. The ICJP has called for more stringent oversight to ensure compliance with UK laws and Charity Commission guidelines.