U.S. and Canada declare PFLP ‘front’ group Samidoun a terrorist organisation

The United States and Canada designated the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network a terrorist entity.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said it had been determined that Samidoun, based in Vancouver, serves as a “sham charity” for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is designated a terrorist organisation in the United States, Canada and the European Union.

The statement noted that Samidoun serves as a “front organisation” for the PFLP in countries where the PFLP is outlawed.

“Organisations like Samidoun masquerade as charitable actors that claim to provide humanitarian support to those in need, yet in reality divert funds for much-needed assistance to support terrorist groups,” Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in the statement.

“The United States, together with Canada and our like-minded partners, will continue to disrupt those who seek to finance the PFLP, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations.”

In a statement issued by the Canadian government, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said: “Today’s joint action with the U.S. sends a strong message that our two nations will not tolerate this type of activity and will do everything in our power to ensure robust measures are in place to address terrorist financing.”

Samidoun is classified as a terrorist organisation by Israel, and in November, it was banned from Germany for publishing words of praise for the October 7 Hamas massacre.

related

Subscribe to EJC newsletter

Get EJC's bi-weekly newsletter, including the latest statements and news from the European Jewish communities, direct to your inbox.

European Jewish Congress will use the information you provide on this form to contact you. We will treat your information with respect and will not share it with others. By clicking Subscribe, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Events & Meetings

EJC Executive Vice-President addresses event celebrating approval of Declaration on Fostering Jewish Life and Combating Antisemitism in Brussels

"I extend my sincere thanks to the Hungarian Presidency for your tireless efforts in making this declaration a reality, especially at a time when antisemitism is rising globally, following the October 7th massacre," said Ms Kalenova who was invited to speak on behalf of European Jewish communities by Minister for European Union Affairs of Hungary János Bóka.