The Charity Commission has issued regulatory guidance to trustees of Edgware United Synagogue, following complaints about a real estate event in London this summer.
The regulator has closed its case, but Third Sector understands its conclusion is subject to a formal decision review.
The commission’s engagement reportedly followed a “number of complaints” submitted in relation to the Great Israeli Real Estate event, which took place in London on 14 June, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians said.
The ICJP alleged the event “promoted the sale of a number of properties in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory”.
A complaint submitted by the ICJP to the Charity Commission said the synagogue had permitted its charitable premises and resources to be used for a commercial event promoting the sale of properties in illegal Israeli settlements.
The ICJP alleged the event went ahead despite the synagogue receiving “detailed legal warnings” before it took place.
It also alleged that, in permitting the event to take place, the trustees “failed to give proper consideration to these legal obligations despite being placed on notice of the risks in advance”.
The Charity Commission confirmed to Third Sector that it had concluded its case and issued regulatory advice and guidance to trustees.
But the regulator said its decision was being looked at as part of a formal decision review.
Trustees can request a decision review if they are unhappy with one of the commission’s decisions, including guidance issued to trustees.
The regulator’s guidance on challenging decisions says: “If you consider that the commission has got its decision wrong, you may request that the decision is reviewed through the commission’s decision review procedure.”
The commission will appoint a member of staff who did not make the original decision to carry out a review, according to the regulator’s guidance.
The time this takes can vary on a case-by-case basis, with the result being a written response with the outcome and reasons behind the review decision.
The Edgware United Synagogue has not responded to Third Sector’s request for comment.