Watan-The charity committee is conducting an investigation into a charitable foundation in London that supports vulnerable Jewish youth after announcing an event to welcome back a British man who fought alongside the Israeli army in Gaza.
The Boys Club in Hendon, North London, was scheduled to host the soldier Levi Simon, who stirred controversy by posting footage from Gaza on his Instagram page, at a lunch event, declaring him a ‘special guest and star.’
However, with protesters and anti-Israel demonstrators gathering outside, police officers at the scene announced that the event had been canceled, and one officer mentioned that the organizers had “no idea” about Simon’s background.
Individuals with connections to the youth center stated that the event was relocated to another venue.
Uproar in Britain
The Boys Clubhouse did not respond to Middle East Eye’s requests for comment. The organization describes itself as the “only Jewish charity dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for deprived and disillusioned young people.”
British-born Israeli soldier Levi Simon recorded a video of him searching Gaza homes for supposed weapons, claiming to find money instead.
He then proceeds to rummage through personal belongings making derogatory comments about drawers filled with lingerie and nightwear pic.twitter.com/UwreaQziLY
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) January 5, 2024
A spokesperson for the Charity Commission stated that the regulatory body was assessing concerns raised about the event and had contacted the charity’s trustees for this reason.
The controversy surrounding the event prompted London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office to distance itself from its previous funding of the organization after it was revealed that it was listed among the charity’s supporters on its website.
During his time in Gaza, Simon posted photos and videos showing him inside the besieged territory, including a video of him searching through the drawers of Palestinian women’s underwear who were forced to flee their homes.
Another video showed Simon raising the Israeli flag inside a Palestinian school in Gaza, where he stated that “Israel is here to stay,” and the school would soon teach Hebrew.
The event caused a loud scene on the street outside the Boys Clubhouse, where supporters of Palestine and Israel faced off under the watch of about ten police officers. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators used a microphone and sound amplification system to chant “Free Palestine!” and condemned Simon’s expected presence at the event.”