Muslim Scout group under investigation after young children encouraged to 'paint for Gaza'

The Scout Association has launched an investigation after one of its branches encouraged young members to "paint for Gaza".

The Muslim Scout Fellowship, which operates as part of the wider UK scouting movement, organised the painting activity in partnership with Islamic Relief last December.

The initiative aimed to demonstrate love and support for Palestinian children impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Among the paintings posted was one bearing the words "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", a slogan that campaigners have previously criticised as antisemitic.

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The investigation was prompted by a formal complaint from the Henry Jackson Society, a counter-extremism think tank, which wrote to the Scout Association urging a review of the images.

In its letter, which was seen by The Telegraph, the organisation expressed deep concern that artwork containing the slogan had been circulated by a Scout-affiliated group.

The complaint highlighted that the phrase "from the river to the sea" has been made illegal in Germany and parts of Australia owing to its links with Hamas and what critics view as an implicit call for Israel's elimination.

"The Scout Association has an important responsibility to ensure that all young people feel welcome and included, regardless of their background or faith," the Henry Jackson Society stated in its correspondence.

The artwork in question includes a depiction showing Israel rendered in the green, white, black and red of the Palestinian flag, with an illustration of al-Aqsa Mosque incorporated into the design.

A second piece features the same geographical outline adorned with Palestinian symbols, most prominently a large watermelon, an image that has become a widely recognised emblem of Palestinian identity due to its colours mirroring those of the national flag.

This particular painting also incorporates the contentious slogan directly into its design, with "from the river" inscribed near the River Jordan's position and "to the sea" placed adjacent to where the Mediterranean coastline would appear on the map.

The Scout Association's own code of conduct commits the organisation to opposing all forms of prejudice and discrimination, while requiring members to promote equal access for young people from all backgrounds.

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Furthermore, the movement maintains a formal political neutrality policy, explicitly stating that it holds no affiliation with any political body and that members must refrain from endorsing political parties or candidates when acting in their capacity as Scouts.

Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, argued that scouting should bring together young people from diverse backgrounds rather than expose them to phrases associated with a proscribed terrorist organisation.

"The Scout Association cannot simply ignore this. It needs to explain whether children's artwork featuring 'from the river to the sea' is compatible with the values it expects every Scout group to uphold," she said.

The Scout Association confirmed it is aware of the complaint and is treating the concerns with the utmost seriousness.

A spokesman from the Scout Association said: "We are aware of this complaint and take the concerns raised very seriously.

"We have a robust process in place to ensure that matters of this nature are investigated thoroughly, impartially and fairly.

"The complaint is currently at an early stage, and we are in the process of establishing the relevant facts."

GB News has contacted the Muslim Scout Fellowship for comment.

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