The controversial UKLFI raises ‘safeguarding and equality’ concerns over keffiyeh worn at Scout meeting

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), a controversial legal advocacy group known for its aggressive tactics against Palestinian solidarity campaigns, has written to a North London Scout group raising “safeguarding and equality” concerns after an adult leader at a Beavers meeting reportedly wore a keffiyeh.

The incident took place on 15th January at a session attended by children aged six to eight. According to UKLFI, the sight of the keffiyeh caused “distress” to some Jewish families, who claimed it was a “hostile” symbol towards Israel and therefore inappropriate in what they believe should be a neutral and inclusive setting.

In a letter to the group, UKLFI argued that the adult leader’s choice of clothing may amount to harassment under the Equality Act 2010, citing the risk of creating a “hostile or offensive environment” for those who identify as Jewish, Israeli or Zionist. It further accused the Scout leader of breaching the organisation’s policies on political neutrality, safeguarding, and equality.

UKLFI has demanded that the group clarify its dress code to explicitly ban political clothing and ensure “Scouts remain a welcoming space for children of all backgrounds.”

This is not the first time UKLFI has taken aim at Scout groups over expressions of Palestinian solidarity. In October 2025, the group intervened in a case involving a Scout leader in Bristol who wore a “Free Palestine” wristband. UKLFI claimed the wristband made a Jewish child feel alienated and again called for disciplinary measures.

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UKLFI itself has come under increasing criticism for its role in attempting to silence Palestinian advocacy and intimidate institutions through what is describe as “vexatious lawfare.” The group has a history of targeting charities, hospitals, universities, and professional bodies that host or support pro-Palestinian voices. 

In April members of the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee were left visibly exasperated during a tense hearing, after UK Lawyers for Israel advocate, Natasha Hausdorff, claimed that Palestinians have no right to statehood under international law and that Israel has “flooded” Gaza with humanitarian aid.

Earlier this month, UKLFI suffered a major setback when renowned Palestinian surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah defeated an attempt by the pro-Israel group to pressure the General Medical Council (GMC) into disciplining him for speaking out about the Gaza genocide.

In that landmark case, the GMC concluded there was no merit to the claims brought forward by UKLFI and threw out the complaint entirely. The ruling was widely seen as a rejection of attempts to weaponise professional standards processes to silence criticism of Israel.

UKLFI’s recent actions targeting Scout groups is likely to be seen as part of a broader pattern of suppressing Palestinian identity in public life. 

The Scout Association has not issued a public response to the latest letter.

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