NGO Monitor Letter to the Netherlands Regarding Samidoun
Dear Minister of Justice and Security,
Dear David van Weel,
We write to highlight the danger posed to Dutch citizens by the activity of a terror-linked NGO, Samidoun. Tied to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), an EU-designated terrorist organization, Samidoun has supported anti-Israel violence in the Netherlands.
For instance, following the mass assault on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam on October 8, Samidoun called for “Amsterdam Free of Zionism, Now is the time to defeat Zionism in Palestine — and its birthplace, Europe! For a total boycott of the Zionist entity! Freedom for all prisoners of the Intifada, from Amsterdam to Palestine!” (emphasis added). Samidoun also endorsed the May 2024 encampment at the University of Amsterdam that featured violent protestors assaulting by-standers.
Dutch lawmakers are rightfully concerned, and passed an October 2 parliamentary resolution calling for Samidoun to be banned in the Netherlands due to its role in spreading antisemitism and glorifying violence.
Several other countries have recognized the threat that this NGO poses to public safety in general, and to Jewish communities in particular.
On October 15, 2024, the US and Canada jointly designated Samidoun as a terrorist organization, describing it as “a sham charity that serves as an international fundraiser” for the PFLP, adding that “Samidoun serves as a front for the group in countries where the PFLP is declared a terrorist organization. While the organization ostensibly supports Palestinian prisoners and their family members, in practice Samidoun provides financial support to the sanctioned PFLP.” Similarly, in November 2023, Germany banned Samidoun, noting that it “endorses the use of violence as a means for achieving its political objectives and incites such violence,” as well as disseminates anti-Jewish propaganda.
The October 8 assault in Amsterdam demonstrated the imperative for the Dutch government to act against violent elements in the Netherlands. In order to protect Dutch citizens and combat antisemitism, we call on the Dutch government to act on Parliament’s October 2 resolution and ban Samidoun.
We look forward to your response.
Prof Gerald M. Steinberg Olga Deutsch
President Vice President
Related Articles
Samidoun Designated as a Terrorist Entity: Partners and Broader NGO Network
Samidoun drives anti-Israel and antisemitic campaigns in the US and Canada – including on university campuses. Samidoun's partners are already well-known as leading members of the anti-Israel network in North America, and many of which have already been criticized by elected officials.
The Global Samidoun Network: Mapping Branches in Europe and North America
This report provides representative examples of the activities of major Samidoun chapters and key activists in Europe and North America. This includes supporting the PFLP and its members, justifying the use of violence, and incitement against the state of Israel.
