A £200,000 windfall from a British charity has sparked controversy, fuelling concerns that it will contribute to the expansion of one of the most contentious Israeli communities in the occupied West Bank. Friends of Yeshivat Shavei Hevron's significant financial support for a school within the settlement of Hebron raises questions about the charity's intentions and its alignment with UK government policy. According to publicly available accounts from the Charity Commission, regulator for charities in England and Wales, the funding has been provided between 2019 and 2024.
The expansion plans for Yeshiva are particularly sensitive given its location in the heart of a Palestinian city, where Israel has established extensive systems of militarised separation. Critics warn that an increase in settler population will lead to more restrictions and violence against Palestinians. This is echoed by international figures, including former US President Jimmy Carter, who have stated that Israel has imposed apartheid in the occupied West Bank, including Hebron. The Israeli government's actions are also contested under international law, with many considering settlements within the occupied territory to be a breach of UN resolutions.
The UK charity's donations appear to be at odds with its own deed of trust, which specifies educational and charitable work “in the state of Israel” without mention of Palestine. This has led to questions about the scope of the charity's operations in light of the British government's formal recognition last year of the state of Palestine, encompassing territory that includes Hebron.
The controversy surrounding UK charity funding has garnered attention in Parliament, with Labour MP Melanie Ward writing to the Charity Commission to highlight that 32 registered charities have collectively donated at least £28 million to Israeli settlements in recent years. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged in parliament that “charity systems are abused to funnel support to illegal settlements” and that some evidence suggests that rules are being broken.
The situation highlights the complex legal and political landscape surrounding Israeli settlements, and the role of UK-based organisations in funding activities within them. The implications for UK foreign policy and the integrity of the charity sector remain a key focus for scrutiny as the Charity Commission investigates links between charities and the funding of settlements.