The Daily Mail has apologised to UK-based charity Interpal after falsely accusing it of funding a “hate festival” in Palestine which acted out the murder of Jews.
In its correction the newspaper said: “An article dated 15 August claimed that Interpal, a charity supporting Palestinians, funded a ‘hate festival’ in which children acted out the murder of Jews. In fact, while Interpal donated to the festival, it did not fund or support the play and the Trustees of Interpal unequivocally condemned the activities the play depicted.
“It was not our intention to suggest that the Trustees promote or condone anti-Semitism or attacks on Jews. The article also referred to Interpal having been listed as a “specially designated global terrorist organisation” by the United States.
“We are happy to make clear that this designation, which took place in 2003, has always been strongly contested by Interpal and its Trustees, and Interpal continues to operate lawfully within the aegis of the Charity Commission.
“The Trustees assure us, and we accept, that neither Interpal, nor its Trustees, have ever been involved in or provided support for terrorist activity of any kind. We apologise to the Trustees for any distress caused.”
Since 1994, Interpal has provided humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians in need in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon.
However, it has frequently been the target of right-wing newspapers and the pro-Israel lobby.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
