Cllr Muhammed Butt
c/o Labour Group Office
Brent Civic Centre
Engineers Way
Wembley
HA9 0FJ
cllr.muhammed.butt@brent.gov.uk
15 July 2025
Dear Councillor Butt,
UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) targeting Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) summer camp
I write to you on behalf of the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), regarding recent accusations made by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) targeting the upcoming children’s summer camp organised by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM).
These allegations by UKLFI—that this summer event promotes extremism—are unevidenced, politically motivated, and their bigotry is deeply troubling. It appears that UKLFI is engaging in the vilification of Muslims, unfairly casting suspicion on an innocent event intended to enrich the summer experiences of young British Muslims.
Given the current geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, it is unsurprising that an organisation dedicated explicitly to the defence of Israel would vilify activities organised by Muslims, unfairly presenting them as dangerous or malign.
To imply that safeguarding concerns exist purely on the grounds of religious affiliation and without any credible evidence is a clear manifestation of prejudice. Treating Muslim children and their innocent activities as inherently suspicious not only undermines their fundamental rights but also fosters a divisive atmosphere.
This matter goes beyond AIM or any single organisation. It is about protecting the broader right of communities—including Muslim communities—to conduct lawful activities without facing harassment, stigmatisation, or baseless accusations. Depriving children of their well-deserved summer break due to  ideological agendas is discriminatory.
It is worth noting that UKLFI previously sought to justify the starvation and deaths of countless Palestinian children in Gaza, callously suggesting it was beneficial because it reduced obesity. This is the same organisation that successfully lobbied to remove artwork by Palestinian refugee children from a hospital. After having justified the deaths of Muslim children in Gaza, UKLFI now cynically claims concern for the safeguarding of British Muslim children, making unevidenced accusations of links to Iran immediately following recent hostilities between Israel and Iran.
UKLFI’s letter cites several legal provisions. These include sections of the Public Order Act 1986, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, and the Children Act 1989. None of these, however, support their claims when examined in context.
- Public Order Act 1986 (Sections 5, 18, 19, 21, 23)
These sections criminalise the use or publication of threatening or abusive material intended to stir up racial hatred. However, criticism of Israel or expressions of pro-Palestinian sentiment do not constitute racial hatred under UK law. The bar for prosecuting under this legislation is rightly high, and there is no evidence that AIM or its summer camp has produced or disseminated material that meets this threshold. Political speech, particularly in support of an oppressed population, is not hate speech as UKLFI would have us believe in their letter.
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Section 26 – Prevent Duty)
This duty requires local authorities to have “due regard” to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. It does not authorise punitive or pre-emptive action in the absence of credible risk. In this case, no evidence has been presented—only innuendo and a politically charged narrative advanced by a partisan and ideologically driven organisation. The Prevent duty must be applied proportionately, objectively, and without prejudice. Targeting a Muslim children’s event based on ideological assumptions advanced by an avowedly pro-Israel pressure group fundamentally undermines both the purpose and legitimacy of the Prevent framework.
- Children Act 1989 (Section 47)
This section requires local authorities to investigate where a child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. There is no credible safeguarding concern identified in relation to the summer camp. The event is well-established, has operated lawfully for two decades, and is designed to provide spiritual, social, and recreational enrichment for children. To invoke safeguarding duties without evidence is a misuse of child protection law and a dangerous precedent.
The legal framework cited by UKLFI does not support their demands. There is no indication that the camp violates any public order law, counter-terrorism duty, or safeguarding obligation. The attempt to apply these provisions without evidence amounts to a politicised and discriminatory misuse of the law — one that unjustly stigmatises Muslim children and their communities.
By falsely invoking the spectre of extremism, UKLFI seeks to deprive British Muslim children of their right to enjoy summer holidays. It is essential that UKLFI be recognised for what it truly is: a propaganda organisation working in the interests of Israel, dedicated to silencing any criticism—in this instance, targeting a children’s summer event organised by a group that openly supports the Palestinian cause.
We urge Brent and Watford Councils not to be swayed by such ideologically driven and unfounded claims. Public bodies have a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and non-discrimination, and must not cower to the demands of politically motivated organisations like UKLFI.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.
Yours sincerely,
Massoud Shadjareh
Chair, Islamic Human Rights Commission
