ICJP calls on UK to revoke Jewish National Fund charity status after Canada decision

The International Centre for Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) requested the UK attorney general on Wednesday to remove the charity status of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), saying that the organisation was involved in funding Israeli military operations and illegal settlements.

In a press release, the ICJP said that the UK-based JNF was a partner of an Israel-based organisation with a similar name, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL).

"JFN-KKL has been involved in historic and present-day property theft in the oPt (Occupied Palestinian Territories), ongoing displacement of Palestinians and destruction of the natural environment," the ICJP said.

The JNF was established in 1901 to buy land in Palestine, and has since been involved in the displacement of Palestinians. It is the financial arm of the World Zionist Organisation, which was founded four years earlier to plan for the colonisation of Palestine.

Last Sunday, Canada said it would revoke the charitable status of JNF Canada and another pro-Israel group, the Ne’eman Foundation.

The Canada Revenue Agency told JNF Canada that its involvement in the building of military infrastructure in Israel was the reason behind the decision, which means that it will not be able to claim tax exempt status.

ICJP said it had informed the UK Charity Commission that the JNF’s charitable status could mean that UK Gift Aid may be funding Israeli settlements and war crimes.

It said that the Charity Commission had responded by saying that action plans had been issued to investigate this, but did not release details.

The ICJP’s Senior Legal Officer Dania Abul Haj said, "For too long, the JNF has been allowed to fund illegal Israeli settlements and the Israeli military, throughout a genocide. Not only have they been allowed to continue operating for over a century, but they actually receive tax exemptions from the British government."

She added that the UK Attorney General had to intervene to stop the JNF funding Israeli settlements and the military while claiming charitable status.

"Canada has shown there is a precedent and its time for the new UK government to do the same."