Government Department Assesses Concerns Over Charity with Alleged Links to Hamas

The Department for Education has initiated an assessment of concerns regarding the Al-Khair Foundation, a charity operating four schools in Croydon and Birmingham. The organization is currently under investigation by counter-terrorism police and the Charity Commission over alleged links to Hamas. The charity has categorically denied these claims, stating it has no connection to the proscribed terrorist group and does not support, enable, or fund it.

Established in 2003, the Al-Khair Foundation aims to advance religion, promote education, support social welfare, build religious harmony, and offer disaster relief. It has faced scrutiny following a complaint from UK Lawyers for Israel, which alleged links between individuals associated with the charity and Hamas. The Department for Education confirmed it is reviewing this complaint, which raised concerns about safeguarding risks in the charity’s schools due to the alleged employment of individuals connected to Hamas.

The Charity Commission previously noted that Mohammad Yousef Hasna, an individual employed by one of the Al-Khair Foundation’s partner organizations, was arrested in the UK. He was charged by U.S. authorities with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas. Counter-terrorism policing in London confirmed awareness of his arrest and an FBI-led investigation into allegations of funding a terrorist organization.

The Al-Khair Foundation has responded to these allegations with firm denial, stating it takes such claims seriously and condemns all forms of violence, including terrorism. The charity emphasized that Hasna is not an employee but works for one of its overseas implementing partners and has had no involvement or contact with its schools. It also noted that it promptly informed the Charity Commission of Hasna’s detention through a serious incident report.

The charity remains under investigation by London’s counter-terrorism police, which executed two search warrants at addresses in Croydon on 31 July. These actions preceded the Charity Commission’s opening of a statutory inquiry this month, which included restrictions on the charity’s financial transactions. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the complex interplay between institutional accountability, legal compliance, and the protection of public trust in charitable organizations.

The situation underscores the importance of transparency and due process in addressing allegations against institutions, whether religious or secular. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, people are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. In the pursuit of truth and accountability, all parties must uphold these principles, ensuring that justice is served with fairness and compassion.

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