British advocacy group wants Jewish National Fund's charity status revoked for funding illegal Israeli actions

By Merve Berker

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) on Wednesday requested the UK attorney general to strip the Jewish National Fund (JNF) UK of its charity status due to its involvement in funding the Israeli military operations and illegal settlements.

"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)," the ICJP said.

The ICJP claimed in a written statement that the JNF UK has been using its charity status, which includes tax benefits like Gift Aid, to fund illegal Israeli settlements and military activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, a violation of UK charity laws.

JNF UK is affiliated with Israel's Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL), which has been involved in property seizures and the displacement of Palestinians, the statement noted.

The call for action followed a recent decision in Canada, where JNF Canada lost its charity status for similar activities.

The ICJP demanded the attorney general ensure UK charities are not involved in unlawful practices.

Previously, complaints to the Charity Commission raised concerns about UK donations potentially funding illegal activities.

The Charity Commission responded with action plans, but details remain undisclosed.

ICJP's senior legal officer, Dania Abul Haj, insisted that it is time for the British government to follow Canada’s example and end JNF UK's operations under its charity status.

The advocacy group is now waiting for the attorney general’s response, hoping for a decisive action to ensure charities adhere to legal and ethical standards.