UK taxpayers subsidized psychological support for Israeli soldiers

An investigation by Declassified UK has revealed that the Israel-based Yahalom Foundation has directed British supporters to channel donations through a UK-registered charity, UK Toremet, to secure a 25 percent tax advantage via the government’s ‘Gift Aid’ scheme.

According to leaked emails, the Yahalom Foundation encouraged donors to use the registered partner platform to ensure full tax recognition. The funds are reportedly used for projects including £5,000 ‘therapeutic healing journeys’ and individual psychological treatments for Israeli soldiers returning from Gaza, as well as a £100,000 memorial hall for fallen soldiers.

UK Toremet confirmed it provided funds to the Yahalom Foundation specifically to provide PTSD treatment for beneficiaries, asserting that the funds were used solely for their intended purpose and that mental health support falls under charitable medical and social support under British law. However, the Charity Commission for England and Wales has previously stated that it is ‘neither legal nor acceptable’ for a charity to raise funds to support the soldiers of a foreign military.