Key facts
- Ohr Somayach, an ultra-Orthodox yeshiva network, has received over $1.3 million from two UK charities since 2013.
- The yeshiva plans to build an 11-story complex in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, on land designated for public services.
- Achisomoch Aid Company donated $704,000 and British Friends of Yehuda Yaale donated $597,000 to Ohr Somayach.
- UK Toremet facilitates donations to Ohr Somayach and is under scrutiny by the UK Charity Commission.
- The UK government considers the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land unlawful and plans to ban imports from illegal settlements.
Ohr Somayach, a network of ultra-Orthodox institutions, has secured approval for a significant expansion into the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, a move that has drawn criticism due to its location in occupied territory and the involvement of UK charities in its funding. The yeshiva plans to construct an 11-story building, including classrooms and dormitories, on land previously designated for local public services.
Since 2013, Ohr Somayach has received over $1.3 million from two UK-registered charities: Achisomoch Aid Company, which donated $704,000, and British Friends of Yehuda Yaale, which contributed $597,000. A third charity, UK Toremet, facilitates donations to the yeshiva and is currently under review by the UK Charity Commission for its alleged role in funding Israeli settlements and organizations linked to human rights abuses.
While British Friends of Yehuda Yaale stated their donations were intended for day-to-day expenses and they were unaware of new building projects, the UK government has recently declared the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land unlawful and announced measures to ban imports from illegal settlements. The International Court of Justice has also issued an advisory opinion finding Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories to be unlawful.