Today, the Government of Canada announced it has listed Samidoun as an illegal terrorist organization - an important milestone in our ongoing advocacy. This achievement underscores the importance of our strategic engagement with policymakers and our ability to mobilize grassroots action on issues of national security and hate speech.

Samidoun has a long record of links to the terrorist group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). For the past year, Samidoun has organized some of the most vicious antisemitic demonstrations in Canada, openly and explicitly celebrating the October 7th attacks.

Just last week at a Samidoun hate rally in Vancouver, the Canadian flag was burned and chants included "Death to Canada. Death to Israel. We are Hamas. We are Hezbollah."

With this designation, anyone who participates in or contributes to Samidoun's activities can be criminally charged under Canada's anti-terrorism laws. While there is much more the federal government needs to do to combat terrorism and hate, today's announcement is an important step forward.

Our community can be proud that we raised our voice and helped drive change. This news follows intensive efforts from Federation CJA's advocacy agent the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and other community organizations, combined with thousands of grassroots activists who added their voice to CIJA's campaign calling for Samidoun to be banned. We are also grateful for our friends beyond our community who called for Samidoun to be held accountable, particularly the advocacy of Allies for a Strong Canada. Click here to read CIJA's insights into this key development.

As Sukkot approaches, I would like to thank our Community Security Volunteers who showed up in great numbers during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur to keep a watchful eye over 30 synagogues in Montreal. We are grateful for their commitment to keeping us safe.

Lastly, I take this opportunity to wish you and your family well, and to ask you to keep your thoughts and prayers focused on our Israeli brothers and sisters and for the immediate return of the 101 hostages.

Am Israel Chai.

Steve Sebag
Board Chair, Federation CJA

Yair Szlak, LL.B, President and Chief Executive Officer
Federation CJA