Critics say the event could have the effect of “sowing hatred of Jews” in the minds of children in the borough, which has a large Jewish community.
The group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) claims that Metroland Cultures, whose mission is “to build, share and support art and culture in the London Borough of Brent”, had breached its charitable objectives by staging a “partisan” event and “engaging in political activities” outside of its charitable remit.
Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI said: “Metroland hosted a badge making class with Heiba Lamara, which was advertised on the Metroland Facebook page.
“Instead of promoting arts, culture and heritage for the people of the London Borough of Brent, the centre has promoted divisive activities, designed to sow hatred of Jews and Israelis amongst its participants.
“Instead of developing skills and capacities to enable young people to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals, as set out in their charitable objects, Metroland is using propaganda to encourage young people to adopt an anti-Israel political narrative.”
UKLFI, which has submitted a complaint about Metroland Cultures, claims that the group has breached section 29 of the Equality Act 2010 by providing a service which discriminates against Jews, Israelis and Zionists.
In its letter to the charity UKLFI stated: “No Jew, Israeli or Zionist would feel comfortable participating in the workshops created by Metroland Cultures.
“UKLFI believes that Metroland Cultures, as a service provider, has discriminated against Jews and Israelis by providing services which they would feel unable to participate in and have also harassed these groups, in breach of the Equalities Act, by creating an intimidating, hostile and offensive atmosphere for them.”
The chair of trustees of Metroland Cultures is Rachel Dedman, a writer, curator and art historian who has specialised in Palestinian art and culture, particularly its tradition of embroidery.
In a letter to UKLFI, Lois Stonock, the group’s Founder and Director, did not deny any of the claims made about the open day, including the badge making workshop, and indicated it may be prepared to launch an internal investigation into the event.
She wrote: “I confirm that the Trustees have received your letter and are taking the matters raised seriously.”
Metroland Cultures did not respond when approached by The Telegraph for comment.
A spokesperson for Metroland Cultures later said: “While some children were in attendance with their families during the open studios, there were no children at the badge-making workshop.”
CORRECTION:
An earlier version of this article stated that children made badges with pro-Palestinian slogans at a workshop at an open day organised by the charity Metroland Cultures . We understand no children were at the badge-making workshop which was designed for adults. We are happy to correct the record.
