The Charity Commission in the UK has rejected a request by Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) to investigate the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), a pro-Israel charity. The complaint, filed in April 2020, accused the CAA of being politically partisan and not deserving charitable status. Despite this, the regulator found that JVL did not meet the criteria to bring the complaint forward.
JVL had previously been targeted by the CAA, which accused them of being on the fringes of the Jewish community and supportive of extreme elements. JVL considered these accusations defamatory. The group alleged that the CAA conflated antisemitism with criticism of Israel and denigrated Labour Party activists without substantial evidence.
Following subsequent complaints and public scrutiny, concerns have been raised about the Charity Commission’s handling of the case. Notable figures like John McDonnell MP and Rabbi Chaim Blayer have also called for a thorough investigation into the CAA’s activities.
The incident highlighting CEO Gideon Falter’s encounter with police at a pro-Palestinian protest added more controversy to the situation. Lord Mann has accused the CAA of not playing it straight in their intentions.