A Vancouver-based non-profit organization that has been instrumental in organizing anti-Israel protests in the city's downtown core has been listed as a terrorist entity.
On Tuesday, Public Safety Canada announced the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, has listed Samidoun, also known fully as the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, via executive order.
“Samidoun has close links with and advances the interests of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is a listed terrorist entity in Canada, the United States and the European Union,” the government stated.
What does this mean for Samidoun?
The government statement explained: “The Criminal Code prohibits certain actions in relation to terrorist groups, including those related to terrorist financing, travel and recruitment. It means, for example, that it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group, and that it is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide property knowing that it will be used by or benefit a terrorist group.
“Listing can also assist Canadian security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism. The terrorist listings mechanism plays a key role in countering terrorist financing.”
Samidoun remains, however, listed as a non-profit entity under Corporations Canada with a registered office address of 1844 East 1st Ave. in Vancouver.
Directors include Dave Diewert of 11084 148th St. in Surrey and Charlotte Kates, who is listed as residing at the head office. Thomas Gerhard of the Netherlands is a third director.
Last week, Kates’ court appearance was delayed as she awaits a determination from Crown counsel as to whether it will approve Vancouver Police Department-recommended charges of public incitement of hate and wilful promotion of hatred.
The allegations from police stem from an April 26 demonstration, at the gallery, wherein she called Hamas’ attack on Israel as “heroic and brave.”
Kates swore an undertaking not to participate in protests; however, that undertaking expired on Oct. 8 while the process remains ongoing, according to the BC Prosecution Service.
Samidoun staged a public demonstration in downtown Vancouver on Oct. 7, 2024 to mark the one-year anniversary of the attack.
At the demonstration, one demonstrator stated: “We are Hezbollah, we are Hamas,” according to video footage posted on X.com, formerly Twitter.
On Tuesday, B.C. political leaders David Eby and John Rustad expressed approval of the designation.
“This decisive action sets a strong precedent that organizations that promote violence and hate will not be tolerated in Canada,” said Shimon Koffler Fogel, president and CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, in a statement to media.
“Listing the group as a terrorist entity means they will no longer be able to use our streets as a platform to incite hate and division against the Jewish community; this is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and security of Canada’s Jews.
"Samidoun has never hidden its affiliation with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a Canadian-listed terrorist organization. Their open and unapologetic support for violent terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the PFLP, demonstrates just how dangerous they are. Their hateful rallies have encouraged participants to burn the Canadian flag and engage in chants of ‘Death to Canada!’ The government’s decision is a welcome step, but one that is long overdue."
