As the devastation in Gaza continues at the hands of the Zionist occupation, many have argued that British Muslims ought to be more bold and assertive in voicing their opinions and being confident in the same. [1]
In this light, a public statement issued earlier in the week by Human Aid & Advocacy has specifically encouraged charities to speak up, as their view is that it is vital to “…recognise that humanitarian aid alone cannot resolve the deep-seated issues Palestinians face.” [2]
In opening the letter, the Islam21c partner organisation states,
“The ongoing tragic attacks by Israel in Gaza have sparked a natural desire for people to help, and our charities have been doing an excellent job at facilitating relief efforts for Gaza.
“Although support is often encouraged through donating to charities and providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, it is also crucial to recognise that humanitarian aid alone cannot resolve the deep-seated issues Palestinians face.” [2]
Charities cannot engage in political activity?
The message continues by clarifying a widespread misconception that UK-based charities cannot engage in political activities.
While there is often this understanding, the authors observe that,
“…UK charity law permits political activity, and the Charity Commission states that, ‘charities can undertake political activity in support of their charitable aims.’
“Furthermore, in its guidance the Charity Commission elaborates that, ‘Charities are free to participate in public debates and to use their voice to try to influence decisions which will support the work of the charity.'” [2] [3]
How to aid our Palestinian brothers and sisters
Reflecting on the fundamental need for tangible support in addition to loudly calling out “colonial subjugation” and “Israeli apartheid”, Human Aid & Advocacy warn that we are obligated to support Palestine through the privileged positions that Allah has granted us in this world.
After all, by His will, we have wealth, health, shelter, family, energy sources, food — many of these things are severely lacking for our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
As the letter reminds readers,
“Palestinians are yearning for liberation, and their needs are not limited to immediate supplies like food, medicine, or fuel. Muslim charities have a moral obligation to speak out. This is what our Palestinian beneficiaries need, and what our donors expect.
“Remaining silent about Israeli apartheid and colonial subjugation is not an option; let us utilise the blessings and resources Allah has entrusted us with to truly assist Palestine in its moment of struggle by raising our voices.
“Therefore, our call to our companions in the Muslim charity sector is to come together and leverage the influence and reach we have to vocalise the support for ending 75 years of apartheid and illegal occupation in Palestine, echoing the clear voice of the oppressed.” [2]
Acknowledging the words of the late South African anti-apartheid campaigner, Nobel Peace Prize laureate of 1984, theologian, and archbishop, Desmond Tutu, the open letter makes clear that silence in the face of oppression is akin to supporting the evildoer.
As Tutu once said,
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” [2] [4]
How can Muslim charities raise their voices?
The public statement provides six key approaches that British Muslim charities may consider in their responses to the abhorrent Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Among the recommended measures are:
- Calling for the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to exist
- Lobbying local representatives such as MPs and members of the government
- Revealing the Israeli regime’s system of “colonial domination” against Palestine
- Taking a clear stance of opposition to Israeli apartheid against the Palestinians
- Showing solidarity with our brothers and sisters by donning the tricolour in cars and homes and through attending protests. [2]
Call on the government, and call out the government!
As for reaching out to the upper echelons of the British establishment, the letter recommends that charities:
“Call on the UK government to bring about an immediate ceasefire and end of Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Additionally, call for the opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide vital aid into the Gaza strip, and for the UK government to withdraw its support for Israel, which is only emboldening Israel to commit further war crimes and ethnic cleansing.” [2]
In regards to making clear charity positions on Israeli domination of the Palestinians and the ongoing brutalisation, the open letter refers to the widely held understanding that Israel is an apartheid regime.
“It has now been recognised by numerous leading NGOs, both Israeli and international, as well as a former head of Mossad, that Israel is an apartheid regime.
“Moreover, their occupation of Palestine has been regarded by multiple human rights bodies as illegal.
“We have a right to voice this opinion, so let’s use our platform to advocate for the end of Israeli apartheid and colonial domination.” [2]
Analysis
ANALYSIS
We welcome the release of this letter, as it offers a strong argument for political engagement alongside humanitarian aid efforts.
It has acknowledged the ongoing horrific attacks in Gaza by Israeli forces and emphasised the vital role that charities play in facilitating relief for Palestinians; it also rightly challenges the notion that charities must remain neutral and highlights that UK charity law permits political activity in support of charitable aims — a key point.
As it also makes clear that it's vital for British Muslim charities to use their voice to influence decisions that align with their mission, we hope that the political fight against Israel is taken to the next level with this intersection of charity and politics.
Guidance pack
In closing remarks, the public letter states,
“As charities working within the British Muslim sphere, we must co-ordinate our efforts to support Palestinian survivors in their continual struggle to free themselves from the yoke of colonial domination and oppression.
“This cannot be achieved purely by humanitarian aid alone, but requires us all to use our voices and platforms to advocate for real change. Charities often prioritise humanitarian aid after the conflict has ended; however, there is a need for us to influence change before mass death and destruction.
“Through advocacy, we can prevent or limit the dire impact of crises.” [2]
And while the open letter goes a great deal towards seeking to unify the general British Muslim charity sector in terms of actions and positions taken, Human Aid & Advocacy appear keen to go beyond this with a guidance document that is designed to provide evidence-based tools and resources.
To view the letter in full, click here. To download the guidance pack, click here.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/26/israel-stages-large-overnight-ground-raid-into-gaza-strip
[2] https://humanaid.org/open-letter-to-charities
[4] https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191843730.001.0001/q-oro-ed5-00016497
