London, 15th June 2026 – ICJP has submitted a formal complaint to the Charity Commission regarding the hosting of the ‘Great Israeli Real Estate’ event at the Edgware United Synagogue (Charity No. 24255) on 14th June 2026.
The Edgware United Synagogue was also put on legal notice on 13th June, prior to the event.
In addition, we have also requested that the Charity Commission open an urgent regulatory compliance case into Edgware United Synagogue and the conduct of its trustees in connection with the hosting of the event, which promoted property located in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).
Evidence supporting the complaint includes documentary evidence demonstrating that exhibitors participating in the event promoted and marketed residential property located in Israeli settlements established in the oPt, including settlements situated in the occupied West Bank.
The event went ahead despite extensive public concern, legal warnings, media scrutiny and direct notification of serious legal, regulatory and reputational issues arising from the event’s activities. This included multiple warning letters before the event from ICJP, including a Serious Crime Prevention Order letter issued to the Metropolitan Police detailing the legal issues in relation to the event under the Serious Crime Act.
As a registered charity in the UK, the Edgware United Synagogue’s hosting of an event that promoted property located in Israeli settlements is a flagrant breach of its obligations as a charity and engages fundamental questions concerning trustee conduct, the proper administration of charity assets, the public benefit requirement, and the maintenance of public trust and confidence in charity.
As we have previously noted, the UK Government maintains that Israeli settlements in the oPt are unlawful under international law. This position has been reinforced in the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 Advisory Opinion, which concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the territory is unlawful and that third states are under obligations not to recognise or assist in maintaining the resulting situation.
It is thus essential that the Charity Commission opens an urgent regulatory compliance case into Edgware United Synagogue’s use of its charitable premises and charitable resources to facilitate a commercial event promoting property located in Israeli settlements in the oPt.
As recently as last week, Labour MP Melanie Ward issued a letter to the Charity Commission revealing that 32 charities in England and Wales have donated at least £28m to illegal Israeli settlements and called for such bodies to be removed from the charity register.
While these revelations are not surprising, they demand an immediate and comprehensive response. The UK government must now align its actions with its stated legal position that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) are illegal and represent a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law.
Órlaith Roe, ICJP’s Public Affairs and Communications Officer, said:
“Despite extensive warnings from our organisation and others, this event went ahead and promoted property located in illegal Israeli settlements. We now have concrete evidence of what many feared: a registered UK charity facilitated the marketing of property in settlements that the UK government itself recognises as unlawful and a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law.
This is not a grey area. The law is clear, the facts are clear, and the UK’s position is clear. What remains unclear is why the relevant authorities failed to intervene when these concerns were repeatedly brought to their attention. If charities can use their premises and resources to host events connected to illegal settlement activity without scrutiny or consequence, public trust in charity regulation is seriously undermined.
The Charity Commission must open an urgent investigation, and the government must ensure that its actions match its stated commitment to upholding international law. Anything less risks sending the message that there is one standard for some violations of international law and another for those affecting Palestinians.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- For more information, to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].
Image: Trocaire via Wikimedia Commons
