London Faith Youth Club Investigated: 'Grooming Vulnerable And Jewish Boys For Israeli Army'?
Amid an ongoing investigation, it has been suggested that a London Jewish youth club has been ‘aiding British boys in joining the Israeli military’.
The latest investigation focuses on the club’s invitation to Levi Simon, whose social media posts show him rummaging through the underwear drawers of Palestinian women and glorifying his time fighting for the IDF in Gaza.
Simon is shown in “these terrorists’ houses”, where instead of “guns and explosives” he highlights “two or three drawers stuffed with the most exotic lingerie that you can imagine” – asking viewers in a poll to dub the garments “kinky terrorism”, “wtf” “halal” or “haram”
Not a suitable role model for young boys, one might think – but apparently good enough for the troubled young men who attend the Boys Clubhouse…
Facing scrutiny from the Charity Commission, the Boys Clubhouse in Hendon, London, has been linked to the Cave Club in Jerusalem, which it is claimed actively supports vulnerable British boys in their enlistment in the Israeli army.
The Boys Clubhouse, a registered charity, positions itself as a sanctuary for Jewish teenagers grappling with various crises, particularly those entangled in social, educational, and emotional difficulties.
The Cave Club in Jerusalem, connected to the Israeli army, offers assistance to British nationals seeking to join the Lone Soldiers program, with indications that some individuals are directed from the Boys Clubhouse.
Functioning as part of the "Israel Project," the Cave Club presents unique opportunities for foreign nationals, including a six-week training course for those aspiring to join the Israeli army.
Social media posts highlight the Cave Club's involvement in distributing aid for Israeli soldiers, showcasing donations from the UK and emphasizing the significant advantage provided on the front line.
The hosting of Levi Simon, a British man recently involved in the Gaza conflict, sparked a Charity Commission investigation and public disputes.
The Clubhouse was set to host soldier Levi Simon, who attracted controversy by posting footage from Gaza on social media, advertising him as a “special star guest”.
Protesters gathered at the venue, but police officers there said the event had been cancelled – one officer said organisers had “no idea” about Simon’s background.
Ari Leaman, Clubhouse CEO, told a faith newspaper Simon was due to speak to four boys who were excluded from school, claiming: he was asked “to inspire the boys to do well in life, it had nothing to do with the army".
However, the invite to the event, shown above, specifically shows Simon armed and in uniform, and mentions that he has 'just returned from three months' fighting in Gaza'. It was later suggested that the Clubhouse event had simply been relocated to another venue.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has distanced himself from the Clubhouse following the launch of the investigation, after records showed his office to have been among the charity’s funders, saying: "The Mayor is appalled by the catastrophic loss of life in Israel and Gaza which is why he continues to support a ceasefire. The Mayor does not control or input into the charity’s programme of events.”
Ethical concerns have surfaced and increased regarding recruitment of vulnerable Jewish youths into the Israeli army, especially amid allegations of war crimes in Gaza. The revelation amplifies the ongoing scrutiny of UK charities supporting the Israeli military, prompting a closer examination of safeguarding issues and potential external influences on marginalized youth. As investigations persist, both the Boys Clubhouse and other charities involved in fundraising for the Israeli army face heightened attention and potential consequences.