Key facts
- The UK Charity Commission has issued regulatory advice to Edgware United Synagogue.
- The synagogue hosted the Great Israeli Real Estate Event on June 14, promoting properties in illegal Israeli settlements.
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians filed a complaint on June 15.
- The Charity Commission provided guidance to trustees and has closed its case, but is reviewing this decision.
- Then-Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed ministers asked the Advertising Standards Authority to investigate the event.
The UK's Charity Commission has issued regulatory advice to the trustees of Edgware United Synagogue in London after the venue hosted a real estate event that promoted properties in illegal Israeli settlements. Middle East Eye revealed the commission's action, which followed a complaint lodged by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) on June 15.
The ICJP's complaint highlighted the use of charitable premises and resources to facilitate a commercial event promoting property located in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, despite significant legal and reputational concerns.
The commission stated that it shared concerns about the potential impact on public trust and confidence when charities are seen to assist in the development or expansion of illegal settlements. It also emphasized that charity premises must not be misused. The regulator found that the synagogue's trustees allowed the event to proceed despite their own misgivings and failed to implement sufficient controls to ensure booking terms were upheld.
While the commission has closed its case, it is now reviewing that decision and warned the trustees to address governance weaknesses to prevent future incidents. The ICJP welcomed the review but stressed the need for robust regulatory action if breaches or misconduct are identified, arguing that charities must comply with legal obligations and not facilitate illegal activities.
Properties in settlements such as Kfar Eldad, Teneh Omarim, Ma'ale Adummim, French Hill, and Ramat Eshkol were advertised at the event. Then-Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that ministers had asked the Advertising Standards Authority to investigate the Great Israeli Real Estate Event.