The federal Liberal government is “considering all options” regarding the potential designation of the Samidoun Palestinian Solidarity Network as a terrorist entity, following calls from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre committed to listing the group if his party forms the next government, citing its alleged ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as terrorist by Canada since 2003. Samidoun has gained visibility in Canada, particularly after the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on Israel last October. Public Safety Canada classifies the PFLP as an “Islamist communist group” aiming to establish a Palestinian state and destroy Israel, noted for its use of suicide bombings.
In a protest this week, supporters of Samidoun reportedly displayed hateful rhetoric, including chants like “Death to Canada,” prompting condemnation from federal officials. Justice Minister Arif Virani criticized these actions in Parliament, emphasizing the unacceptability of promoting violence and hatred. Charlotte Kates, a leader within Samidoun, faced arrest in May for praising Hamas’s attacks. Poilievre pointed to her statements and the group’s recent protests as evidence of its extremist views. He asserted that Samidoun serves as a front for the PFLP and called for immediate action against the group.
The government, through Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s office, stated that decisions on terrorist listings are based on assessments from security and intelligence services. Liberal MPs, including Anthony Housefather, have expressed support for the group’s designation, citing its harmful impact on community safety. As tensions have risen, security around Jewish institutions has increased, with Poilievre highlighting a disturbing trend of hate crimes directed at the Jewish community. He criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not adequately addressing this issue, while Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly accused Poilievre of politicizing the situation. Joly also defended against allegations of hypocrisy concerning past events during protests. The debate around Samidoun reflects broader tensions in Canadian society regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and rising antisemitism.
