Below is an enquiry from the Times about a complaint made by 50 members of the House of Lords to the Charity Commission alleging anti-Semitism on the part of IHRC. It is followed by our response.
Dear IHRC press office,
Hope all is well.
I’m getting in touch as we’re planning to publish a story in tomorrow’s paper about the Charity Commission assessing allegations of antisemitism made against the IHRC.
The details are below, but if you would like to provide a comment please do so as soon as possible and at the latest by 4pm today.
The Commission received a complaint from nearly 50 Lords about the IHRC’s open letter to the Home Secretary and police chiefs regarding recent far-right rioting.
The IHRC’s letter said: “Enabled by their Zionist financiers abroad, far right elements have weaponised the tragic murder of three young girls in Southport to incite the country into pogroms against Muslims and people of colour.”
The complaint to the Commission said this remark perpetuates harmful antisemitic stereotypes “of a shadowy Jewish conspiracy controlling the world”. It said it was “outrageous” that the “dangerous” comments were made “at a time when the country is facing growing divisions and danger on our streets”. It also accused the IHRC of using “this opportunity to add further hate and fuel to the fire” and having deep ties to the Iranian regime.
The Charity Commission has confirmed that it is assessing the claims of antisemitism and has written to the trustees of the Islamic Human Rights Commission Trust, the charity that gives grants to the IHRC, asking them to set out what action they will take in response to the issues raised.
The Commission’s chair said: “Many charities have responded to the disorder and violence seen in locations across the UK this month with courage and optimism.
“While the overwhelming response of most charities has been to promote cohesion and combat extremism, when we become aware of any serious concerns about a charity’s conduct, as in this case, including allegations of inflammatory rhetoric, or more seriously anti-semitic or hate speech, we will act.
“Charities must not allow their resources, who they fund, or their online presence to become forums for hate speech.
“While allegations of criminal behaviour should be considered by law enforcement agencies, the Commission will not permit charities to be misused or mismanaged.
“At a time of heightened tensions, trustees have a responsibility to fulfil their charitable purposes with respect, tolerance and consideration for others and, in this instance, trustees must carefully consider how the activities of a connected non-charity can adversely impact the charity for which they are legally responsible.”
Kind regards,
Charlie Parker
News Reporter
The Times
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Dear Mr Parker
Thank you for your email dated 15/8/2024.
We are unsure why you have contacted IHRC Ltd when your story is about a complaint to the Charity Commission.
You are clearly aware that IHRC Ltd is not a charity and therefore does not fall within the regulatory purview of the Commission.
Nevertheless, we will endeavour to answer your questions.
The Lords themselves are hardly paragons of impartiality. Many have travelled to Israel with support from Elnet (https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-money-investigations/elnet-mps-trips-israel-gaza-uk-politicians-trump-donors/) and Cedarsoak (https://www.declassifieduk.org/who-wants-to-bomb-iran/), others are a part of or associated with neo-con/pro-Israel groups like Henry Jackson Society or Policy Exchange, while a number of them are members of British Friends of Israel and Conservative or Labour friends of Israel. These are not “impartial” parliamentarians. Below is just a sample of their spoken contributions in parliament:
Lord Roberts of Belgravia rights off Palestinian civilian deaths as a “low ratio”:
Baroness Fox speaks eloquently of the dangers of Antisemitism whilst undermining the safety of Muslims by claiming Islamophobia (anti-Muslim hate) is a danger to free speech:
Lord Austin believes opposition of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians is an irrational obsession:
