London synagogue sold to Muslim group linked to anti-Semites

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The historic London synagogue was sold to a Pakistani Muslim organization linked to extremism. The Muslim group that bought the synagogue has apologized after a leaflet asking for donations to purchase the building called it a “former place of worship for non-believers”.

Pakistan-based charity Dawat-e-Islami stated that the leaflet was poorly worded and meant only that the previous congregation was not Muslim. But the sale of the Wembley synagogue building sparked an additional investigation – The Jewish Chronicle reported that the organization has compromising ties to anti-Semitic figures.

Former United Synagogue rabbi; Martin van den Berg, who has owned the Wembley synagogue since the 1930s and recently sold it to Dawat-e-Islami, objected to the sale of the synagogue to a group that considers Jews to be “unbelievers”.

“This is contrary to the principle of respect to representatives of other religions, it is necessary to use every opportunity to stop this sale”,– he said.

The United Synagogue, meanwhile, insists it did a “strong due diligence” before deciding to sell, and heeded the group's apology for the flyer.

“All the professional advice we've received, as well as our own due diligence, has shown it to be a respected charity”,– says in her post.

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