UPDATE: The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has announced plans to request a judicial review following the Charity Commission’s allegations of “mismanagement.” This urgent development comes as the Commission claims a CAA article criticizing the UK’s arms export suspension to Israel overstepped the charity’s remit.
According to the Commission’s findings, the CAA failed to document its decision-making process adequately, a situation defined as “mismanagement.” Officials characterized mismanagement as any act that was known or should have been known to be improper or unlawful. The CAA has rejected these claims as “baseless and unacceptable,” emphasizing that its article echoed views from other prominent Jewish organizations, including the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council.
CAA’s spokesperson stated, “The Commission has taken a year to come to a decision that we regard as seriously flawed,” highlighting their frustration with the timing of the Commission’s announcements. Notably, the Commission shared its findings with Cage International—an organization advocating for Muslim detainees—before formally notifying the CAA. The CAA alleges this premature disclosure compromised their right to respond adequately.
The Charity Commission’s findings were linked to a complaint lodged by Cage International, raising questions about the integrity of the CAA’s operations. The CAA insists that its statements reflect legitimate concerns raised even by government officials like Sarah Sackman MP, who warned that the arms suspension could jeopardize Israel’s security.
In response to the Commission’s ruling, the CAA has received a Regulatory Action Plan outlining necessary improvements. Failure to adhere to these steps could lead to further regulatory actions.
The Charity Commission’s spokesperson defended their position, stating, “We thoroughly examined concerns raised about Campaign Against Antisemitism… We have concluded that not all of the content within the article was capable of furthering the charity’s objects.”
As this situation develops, the CAA is preparing to challenge the Commission in court, asserting that the ruling unjustly tarnishes their reputation while failing to address more significant issues within the charity sector. The CAA’s legal battle is poised to draw widespread attention, particularly amid rising tensions surrounding Jewish communities in the UK.
This unfolding situation is crucial for supporters of the CAA and those concerned about the implications for charitable organizations in the UK. Stay tuned for updates as the CAA moves forward with its judicial review.
