Chabad House charity in Gants Hill, East London is collecting money for the Israeli Defence Forces. We all know who the IDF are: the army who is in violation of numerous UN resolutions and currently committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza!

 

As per their website, they want to provide essential equipment for a unit in the North of Israel. Local people have complained to the Charity Commission, which only allows charities to get involved in politics if it serves their purpose.

 

Based in Gants Hill (Ilford North), Chabad house usually focuses on promoting the Jewish religion, education and substance abuse. It’s unclear how raising money for the Israeli Defence Force can aid their goals. 

 

In addition to locals complaining to the Charity Commission, complaints have also been sent to Redbridge Council, the Home Secretary and the police. An expert within this field has suggested that the Charity Commission should check if the charity aligns with its intended purpose, especially since fundraising for an army accused of war crimes and an on going genocide won’t serve any public benefit.

 

The charity’s leader, Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, shared with the Ilford Recorder in October that he believes Hamas is, “worse than ISIS.” He also mentioned personal losses, stating that family members in Israel were killed in recent attacks, he also shared that his son serves as a soldier in the Israeli army. 

 

Rabbi Sufrin expressed, “Listening to firsthand experiences from there, it’s disheartening that some rush to justify the barbaric actions as a result of Israel’s suppression in Gaza. This is not the moment for debates on right or wrong. It’s time for everyone to unite and show unwavering support for Israel.’’ 

 

However, he is openly aiding funds towards the IDF’s collective punishment against the Palestinian people.

 

If this was a Muslim Imam or charity lead expressing similar sentiments, or raising money for the Palestinian Authority or Hamas, it is safe to say they would be in jail faster than you can say hummus! Remember when Interpal were accused of funding terrorism and extremism? 

 

The double standards are disgusting and we can only hope that the Metropolitan Police Charity Commission take these allegations seriously.

 

In the mean time, all of us need to write and complain to the Charity Commission.