A Jewish poverty relief charity has been criticised for acting outside its remit by raising funds for an Israeli Defence Forces soldier based in northern Israel.

The fundraising page set up by Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London and Essex Limited in October 2023 and was eventually removed four months later.

It raised £2,280, of which £937 was sent directly to the soldier, but the charity was unable to account for how this was spent.

The remaining money was spent on “non-lethal military equipment” purchased by trustees and sent to the soldier.

Following the fundraiser the Charity Commission received more than 180 complaints, and an investigation as launched in December last year.

As a result of the probe the regulator has issued the charity with an official warning to “remedy” any misconduct or mismanagement.

It found that the fundraiser was not linked to its mission to relieve poverty and promote the Jewish faith and education.

As a result “the trustees had failed to act in the best interests of the charity and its reputation” which was “misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity, as well as a breach of trust”, the Commission found.

Charities with appropriate purposes can, in law, raise funds to promote the efficiency of the UK armed forces,” said the regulator.

“However, providing aid or military supplies to any foreign armed force is not a charitable purpose, and no charity can legally undertake such activity.”

Charity Commission director of regulatory services Helen Earner added: “It is not lawful, or acceptable, for a charity to raise funds to support a soldier of a foreign military. Our Official Warning requires the charity to set things right and is a clear message to other charities to stay true to their established purposes.”

The regulator has warned the charity that if it does not adhere to its official warning further regulatory action may be taken.

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