Samidoun Terror Group Appears to Launch Offshoot to Bypass Sanctions
The Al-Ahrar Palestinian Prisoner Support, Samidoun's apparent new offshoot, says its goal is amplifying the “struggle” of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel for terror offenses
In a move ostensibly designed as an attempt to circumvent its recent designation as a terrorist group in the US and Canada, Samidoun appears to have launched an offshoot called Al-Ahrar Palestinian Prisoner Support, a Jewish Onliner analysis has found. Based in New York, New Jersey, and Toronto, and echoing Samidoun’s stated goals, Al-Ahrar claims its mission is to amplify the “struggle” of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel for terror offenses.
Samidoun itself operates as an arm of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is formally designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, Germany, and Israel.
Evidence of Ties: Proof Al-Ahrar Is a Samidoun Offshoot
Samidoun has actively promoted Al-Ahrar on its official communication channels and publicly endorsed the group’s launch and agenda. Al-Ahrar has also co-sponsored events with key Samidoun figures, such as Charlotte Kates, a co-founder of Samidoun.
Notably, Al-Ahrar was established in the United States and Canada just months after Samidoun was designated and banned in these countries, strongly suggesting an intent to circumvent legal restrictions and continue its activities under a new brand.
This tactic is not new for Samidoun. As previously reported by Jewish Onliner, Samidoun is alleged to have utilized this exact method to try and bypass increasing European scrutiny by establishing a new European front called Masar Badil as a near-identical replacement on the continent.
Al-Harar’s Promotion of Violent Rhetoric and Convicted Terrorists
Al-Ahrar’s social media channels consistently promote violent “resistance” as legitimate. For example, its inaugural Telegram post quoted Ghassan Kanafani, a former PFLP leader responsible for orchestrating the murder of 26 people—17 of whom were Americans—in the Israeli airport bombing. The post read:
"In the words of the great revolutionary and former prisoner, Ghassan Kanafani, 'Fighting for freedom is as important as fighting for life itself.'"
Al-Ahrar’s activities go beyond rhetoric, extending to advocacy for individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes. Recent campaigns have called for public support for Elias Rodriguez, who was indicted for murdering two Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
On April 5, the organization similarly advocated for Shukri Abu Baker, convicted in the Holy Land Foundation trial for channeling funds to Hamas. The group has also supported Georges Abdallah, a recently-released PFLP member who participated in the killing of American and Israeli diplomats in France.
Al-Ahrar also organizes community events, such as screenings and public programs related to their cause, further solidifying their presence in North American cities.
