The Charity Commission is assessing a complaint alleging an orthodox Jewish charity has been fundraising for Israel Defense Forces soldiers and promoting hate speech.

The regulator confirmed it was “assessing information” about a complaint about the Mizrachi (UK) Israel Support Trust, a charity set up for the promotion of the orthodox Jewish religion and for the education and training of Jewish youth, leaders and representatives in the UK.

The complaint, submitted by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians and seen by Third Sector, alleges that Mizrachi UK has facilitated fundraising for serving members of the Israel Defence Forces and promoted hate speech through its events.

It includes screenshots of a Mizrachi UK Facebook post and a newsletter advert from October 2023, which seeks funds for tactical gear and military equipment for Israeli soldiers, including bullet-proof vests, tactical helmets and other supplies.

The complaint also includes screenshots of a fundraising Facebook post and newsletter advert from last year, which asks for donations to “assist with the extra burdens that have fallen on the families of our soldiers”.

This post and newsletter advert also publicise the Selwyn & Ros Smith and Family Manhigut Toranit Programme, participants of which serve in the IDF.

The ICJP’s complaint says: “Mizrachi UK’s stated purpose is to foster and promote education. The information provided above raises concerns about some of the activities of Mizrachi UK not meeting their stated charitable purpose. 

“Mizrachi UK’s may have failed to safeguard the organisation’s best interests and its reputation.”

The complaint asks the regulator to investigate whether the charity has violated the Charities Act by raising funds for the Israeli army and whether trustees are able to account for how funds that are raised by this fundraising appeal are spent.

The Charity Commission issued an official warning to a separate Jewish charity earlier this year over a fundraising campaign in support of an IDF soldier, warning that no charity can legally provide aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force.

The ICJP’s complaint also alleges that the charity has hosted lectures featuring “far-right Israeli activists” who “have frequently spread hate speech”.

It alleges that at an annual event, speakers used “dangerous rhetoric [...] that call for the destruction of the Palestinian people through the use of religious statements” and warns that the language used could “result in spiralling hatred”.

The complaint says: “Under UK law, hate speech includes expressions that incite hatred or violence against a group based on race, religion, or nationality.

“Rhetoric, calling for the destruction of a group serves to inflame hostilities and encourage hatred, making it a potential violation of laws against incitement to racial or religious hatred in the UK.”

Mira Naseer, a legal officer at the ICJP, said: “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.” 

A spokesperson for the Charity Commission said: “We have received a complaint about Mizrachi (UK) Israel Support Trust and are currently assessing information to determine any next steps.”

The Mizrachi (UK) Israel Support Trust has not responded to Third Sector’s requests for comment.