UK Home Office revokes travel authorization for Palestinian-American charity trustee
The ban prevents Moath Hamzeh from attending a November fundraiser in London, following an October report alleging antisemitic rhetoric on social media.
By Ana Castro ·
Moath Hamzeh, a Palestinian-American activist based in Jersey City, New Jersey, is barred from entering the United Kingdom after the Home Office revoked his Electronic Travel Authorization. The decision, cited as being in the public interest, prevents him from attending scheduled events in London this month. Hamzeh serves as a trustee and director of development for Sun of Freedom, a UK-registered charity that provides humanitarian relief to displaced Palestinians in the Palestinian territories.
The ban followed a report submitted in October by UK Lawyers for Israel. That report relied on findings from the online watchdog GnasherJew, which had published its analysis in September. The watchdog alleged that Hamzeh posted antisemitic conspiracy theories and dehumanizing language across his social media platforms. Specific examples included a February video linking the Israeli flag to global financial controls and an August reel where he stated that "Israel does not exist, nor does it have a right to." The watchdog noted that Hamzeh compared Israelis to Nazis and declared, "You can run, but we will find you." His X account has since been suspended for violating platform rules.
UK Lawyers for Israel also raised concerns with the Charity Commission regarding Hamzeh's commercial ties. He collaborated with Warrior Ink Apparel, a Florida-based clothing brand, on the "Mo Hamz Collection." A portion of the proceeds from this line was designated for Sun of Freedom. The charity promoted shirts reading "ZIONISM IS RACISM IS FASCISM IS TERRORISM IS ISRAEL" across its website and social media pages. The Charity Commission confirmed that Sun of Freedom is currently subject to an ongoing regulatory compliance case to examine these allegations.
Hamzeh was originally scheduled to fly to London on November 6 to speak at a Sun of Freedom fundraising event. He also had a planned appearance at a documentary screening at Palestine House on November 14. In a video posted to Instagram, Hamzeh said his authorization was revoked shortly before his flight. He described the ban as discriminatory and stated that there was no clear reasoning or means to appeal the decision. He announced that he would participate in the London event virtually.
Hamzeh contrasted his exclusion with the status of British citizens who served in the Israeli military. He noted that more than 2,000 such individuals faced no restrictions or bans from the country. In a statement, he called the government's action evidence of collusion with supporters of apartheid. He argued that the decision allowed Israeli soldiers to roam London freely while preventing him from attending a fundraiser for a charity providing aid to Gaza.
UK Lawyers for Israel called the exclusion a welcome step in protecting the public from extremist rhetoric. A spokesperson urged the Charity Commission to act, stating that a person barred on public-good grounds should not lead a British charity. Following the announcement of the ban, UK Lawyers for Israel submitted a further request urging Hamzeh's removal as a trustee. GnasherJew welcomed the decision, noting that its investigation documented rhetoric that went beyond legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy. Sun of Freedom did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
