In August 2008, WoW director John Hilary described a recent investigation by the Charity Commission, as “part of an ongoing strategy by an organised pro-Israel lobby and the Jewish press”. Interviewed in Third Sector magazine, he accused “he accused “ill-meaning journalists” of deliberately misrepresenting the investigation, and cites “abusive calls from Zionists”.

There is a long piece on the WoW website which lays all the blame for the troubles of the Palestinian people at the door of the isreali “occupation” of Gaza. (http://www.waronwant.org/campaigns/fighting-occupation-in-palestine) . No mention of Hamas violence or corruption or any of Hamas’s violent campaign against its fellow citizens which split off Gaza from the West Bank.

“The British NGO War on Want has been warned by the Charity Commission for deviating from its mission in a pro-Palestinian campaign.

“In the last few years, War on Want, a London-based charity focused on “fighting global poverty,” has campaigned to remove the West Bank security barrier; called for sanctions against Israel and the annulment of the Jewish state’s trade deal with European Union, the EU-Israel Association Agreement; and accused Israel of carrying out a “campaign of apartheid.”

“The registered charity also blames Israel for the poverty in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and calls for a boycott of organizations that “profit from the occupation.”

“Following a number of complaints to the commission, including one from Teresa Villiers, the Conservative Party’s shadow secretary of state for transport, alleging the charity was abusing its status with highly politicized campaigns that demonize Israel, the regulatory body said it had reminded War on Want about its obligations as a registered charity.

“The Charity Commission has taken these concerns very seriously and we have addressed these issues with the trustees of War on Want,” the commission wrote to a London-based lawyer who had complained about the pro-Palestinian campaign.

“The commission said it had received assurances from the NGO’s trustees that they would review their strategy and not violate their remit as a charity.

“We have reminded the trustees that a charity may only engage in campaigning and political activity which is directly related to its charitable purposes.

“In addition, the Charity Commission has gained written assurances from the trustees that they will review their strategy on a political campaigning and consult with us before pursuing further controversial campaigns, in order to ensure that they do not exceed the restrictions on political activity by charities,” the letter read.

“The Charity Commission also promised to continue to monitor War on Want’s work.”

Mmmm

“Charities planning to take part in next month’s pro-Palestinian rally in London, marking the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War, have been warned to abide by regulations set out by the Charity Commission.

“At least nine major charities are expected to take part in the demonstration on June 9, which the organisers claim will attract tens of thousands of participants. They include Friends of the Earth, War on Want, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Interpal.

“A spokesman for the commission said it had received messages of concern that by supporting the Enough Coalition rally, the groups may be breaking the rules preventing charities from becoming political bodies.

“We contacted all the charities involved, reminding them of the factors they should consider when becoming involved with this sort of initiative,” said a spokesman.

“The watchdog had reminded them of its guidance on campaigning and political activities.

“According to the Commission’s regulations, charities are allowed to take part in demonstrations or political campaigning designed to further their philanthropic aims.

“But it adds: “An organisation set up for a purpose… of advocating or opposing a change in the law or public policy in this country or abroad, or supporting a political party, cannot be a charity.”