Charity Commission Sizer statement

A formal complaint about allegedly antisemitic images on the Peacemaker Trust website has been closed by the Charities Commission. But the regulator has warned the trustees of the charity – founded by Stephen Sizer – that they risk breaching their legal duties if they fail to take certain steps.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism alleged that the photographs, taken during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London at which Sizer was present, “demonstrate a hostility towards Jews”. The charity trustees argued that the events were “not ‘pro-Palestinian’ but demonstrably pro-justice, peace and reconciliation.”

While the Commission made no findings, it issued advice and guidance to the Peacemaker’s trustees. In a letter to them, the regulator said: “It appears that Dr Sizer is not required to inform and/or discuss his activities with the trustees prior to them.

“The Commission would recommend that controls are put in place that require Dr Sizer to report his intended activities to them before carrying them out for full assessment, particularly if the activity and/or its content could be considered controversial, inflammatory or divisive.”