By Orlando
Fraser KC
This comment piece was first published in the Sunday
Telegraph on 26 November 2023.
As aid lorries enter Gaza during the current pause in
hostilities, we are reminded once again of the vital role
charities play in meeting humanitarian needs. UK charities are
among those working to supply essential water, food, clothing and
medical supplies to those affected by the conflict in both Gaza
and Israel. They are doing so in extraordinarily difficult
circumstances – as are charities working in Ukraine and in other
conflict zones across the world.
At the same time, many charities here in the UK have stepped up
their efforts to promote cohesion and combat extremism at a time
when reports of antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes have been
increasing. I have met several Jewish and Islamic charities
recently to discuss their work and will continue to do so.
The overwhelming response of most charities to the conflict has
been a credit to the sector. It is therefore hugely disappointing
this good work could be undermined by a few individuals abusing
their privileged positions to fuel division and tension.
The Charity Commission is aware of a significant number of
serious concerns about activities linked to the conflict in
Israel and Gaza. These include charities representing communities
across the religious divide, although these to date largely
concern allegations of antisemitic or hate speech.
Charities must not allow their premises, events or online content
to become forums for hate speech against any community or
unlawful extremism. The Commission will not stand by and permit
charities to be abused in this way. Where there proves to have
been wrongdoing, make no mistake, we will deal with it robustly.
We have acted when similar concerns have been raised in the past.
This includes instances where one charity had hosted events that
risked it being associated with terrorism, and another charity
that appeared to be connected to far-right extremism. We act just
as strongly on any form of hate speech or extremism, whichever
community it stems from or is directed at.
At a time of heightened tensions, people expect charities to lead
the way in bringing us together. That does not mean that they
must avoid sensitive or controversial issues – charities are free
to campaign so long as it relates to their charitable purposes.
But I am clear that they have a responsibility to do so with
respect, tolerance and consideration for others. They must avoid
inflammatory rhetoric that stokes division and may undermine
trust in the sector.
The Commission will always use our powers, given to us by
Parliament, to deal strongly with those who intentionally or
recklessly abuse charities in England and Wales. We will not
hesitate to take action to protect the reputation of the sector
as a whole, including the many religious charities on our
Register that are doing so much good across communities here and
abroad.
