UK regulator says 'it is not lawful' for charities to raise funds for Israeli soldiers

The UK's charity regulator said "it is not lawful" for British charities to raise funds or send money to soldiers fighting for the Israeli army. 

On Thursday, the Charity Commission issued a warning against Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London and Essex Limited after the charity received 180 complaints for raising money for a soldier fighting for the Israeli army in northern Israel. 

In October 2023, Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London and Essex Limited set up a fundraising page for a soldier stationed in northern Israel.

The page, which was eventually removed in January 2024, raised approximately £2.280. From that amount, Chabad sent £937 to an individual soldier. 

Charities in the UK are required to serve a purpose that fulfils a public benefit and are regulated by the Charity Commission.

Helen Earner, director for regulatory services at the Charity Commission, said: "It is not lawful, or acceptable, for a charity to raise funds to support a soldier of a foreign military."

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