He said there is a “significant number” of concern about “activities linked to the conflict in Israel and Gaza”.
Mr Fraser said: “The Charity Commission is aware of a significant number of serious concerns about activities linked to the conflict in Israel and Gaza. These include charities representing communities across the religious divide, although these to date largely concern allegations of anti-Semitic or hate speech.
“Charities must not allow their premises, events or online content to become forums for hate speech against any community or unlawful extremism. The commission will not stand by and permit charities to be abused in this way. Where there proves to have been wrongdoing, make no mistake, we will deal with it robustly.”
Campaigners alerted the watchdog to videos of hate sermons preached at mosques linked to charities.
They include calls for victory over “the usurping Jews”, urging congregations to pray for the “oppressors” to be “destroyed”, and one stating that if all Muslim.
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Mr Fraser warned “individuals abusing their privileges positions to fuel division and tension” could undermine charities’ efforts to positively influence the crisis in the Middle East.
He said: “We have acted when similar concerns have been raised in the past. This includes instances where one charity had hosted events that risked it being associated with terrorism, and another charity that appeared to be connected to far-Right extremism. We act just as strongly on any form of hate speech or extremism, whichever community it stems from or is directed at.
“At a time of heightened tensions, people expect charities to lead the way in bringing us together. That does not mean that they must avoid sensitive or controversial issues – charities are free to campaign so long as it relates to their charitable purposes.
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But I am clear that they have a responsibility to do so with respect, tolerance and consideration for others. They must avoid inflammatory rhetoric that stokes division and may undermine trust in the sector.
“The commission will always use our powers, given to us by Parliament, to deal strongly with those who intentionally or recklessly abuse charities in England and Wales. We will not hesitate to take action to protect the reputation of the sector as a whole, including the many religious charities on our register that are doing so much good across communities here and abroad.”
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