#Secretary Tourism

[theleadersglobe]

Strong Rebound for International Tourism in 2024

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, global tourism continued its post-pandemic recovery in 2024, with 790 million international tourists travelling in the first seven months, marking an 11% increase compared to 2023 and just 4% shy of 2019 levels. Although the first half of 2024 showed a strong recovery, the second quarter displayed more modest growth, aligning with UN Tourism’s projections of a full recovery by the end of the year despite lingering economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili indicated that the recovery trajectory has been robust, driven by increasing demand for international travel. He highlighted the effectiveness of initiatives such as boosting air connectivity and easing visa restrictions, which have significantly contributed to this rebound. Pololikashvili also emphasised the need for thoughtful tourism planning to ensure that growth benefits local communities and aligns with long-term sustainable development goals.

Read More: https://theleadersglobe.com/life-interest/travel/strong-rebound-for-international-tourism-in-2024/

[townpostin]

Handball Tournament Crowns Jamshedpur St. Mary's Hindi Champions

Boys and girls teams from St. Mary’s Hindi triumph over Day Boarding in finals Jharkhand’s Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department hosted a successful handball competition, showcasing young athletic talent. JAMSHEDPUR – A handball tournament at RD Bhatta Center in Bistupur saw St. Mary’s Hindi teams clinch victories in both boys’ and girls’ categories. The event featured…

[markhorday]

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 2 May 2024.

The General Assembly, Reaffirming its resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, by which it adopted a comprehensive, far-reaching and people-centred set of universal and transformative Sustainable Development Goals and targets, Reaffirming also its resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years, and Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries, in particular paragraphs 1 to 10 of the annex thereto on the agreed criteria for the proclamation of international years, as well as paragraphs 13 and 14, in which it is stated that an international day or year should not be proclaimed before the basic arrangements for its organization and financing have been made, Reaffirming further the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions, including its ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic contributions to sustainable development and human wellbeing, and recognizing that wild fauna in their many beautiful and varied forms are an irreplaceable part of the natural systems of the Earth which must be protected for this generation and the generations to come, Stressing the urgent need to address the unprecedented global decline in biodiversity, including by preventing the extinction of threatened species, improving and sustaining their conservation status and restoring and safeguarding ecosystems that provide essential functions and services, including services related to water, health, livelihoods and well-being,

Underlining that the markhor (Capra falconeri) is an iconic and ecologically significant species found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and recognizing that the markhor was categorized as “near threatened” in 2014 and is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and has been included in appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora since 1992, Recognizing that preserving the markhor and its natural habitat is an ecological imperative and a significant opportunity to bolster the regional economy, foster conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism and economic growth and that conservation efforts will benefit the ecosystem, Stressing that, besides its ecological value, the markhor is a valuable species that contributes to the local economy and conservation initiatives, Recognizing national and regional initiatives for range State cooperation, transboundary approaches and mechanisms at the regional level to foster conservation of the markhor,

Noting the upcoming Ninth World Conference on Mountain Ungulates, to be held in Dushanbe from 12 to 15 October 2024, Recognizing that the greatest threats to the survival of the markhor are habitat loss, illegal hunting, including poaching, and climate change, Recalling its resolution 78/155 of 19 December 2023, entitled “Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development”, in which it called upon parties to the Convention and stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation measures for the fulfillment of obligations contained in the Convention, Recognizing efforts for the conservation of the markhor, including the establishment of breeding programmes and the development of a regional strategy and national action plans for the conservation of the markhor in some range States that aim to protect the species throughout its range,

Decides to proclaim 24 May the International Day of the Markhor;

Invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day of the Markhor, as appropriate;

Invites all relevant stakeholders to give due consideration to enhancing international and regional cooperation in support of efforts to conserve the markhor, given its role in the overall ecosystem;

Invites the United Nations Environment Programme to facilitate the observance of the International Day of the Markhor, mindful of the provisions contained in the annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67;

Stresses that the cost of all activities that may arise from the implementation of the present resolution should be met from voluntary contributions and that such activities would be subject to the availability and provision of voluntary contributions;

Requests the Secretary-General to bring the present resolution to the attention of all Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system and civil society organizations for appropriate observance.

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/278 - International Day of the Markhor.

Seventy-eighth session Agenda item 13: Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields.

77th plenary meeting - 2 May 2024.

[xtruss]

Archaeologists Excavating the Tomb of Egypt’s First Female Pharaoh Found Hundreds of Jars Still Holding Remnants of Wine

The dig has also shed new light on the reign of the ancient queen.

— Adam Schrader | October 18, 2023

An archaeology team has discovered evidence that the Ancient Egyptian Queen Merneith “had a great position” and was responsible for the central government offices. Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology

Archaeologists digging in one of the oldest cities in Egypt have discovered evidence that sheds new light on the life of the ancient Egyptian queen Merneith, who ruled during the 1st Dynasty.

The excavation of a tomb in the Umm al-Qaab area in Abydos found an inscription on a “Stone Vessel” that provides new historical information about Merneith’s reign, during which she held “A Great Position” and was responsible for the central government offices, said Christiana Köhler, who led the dig.

“It has been speculated that Merneith may have been the first female Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt,” Köhler said in a news release, “but her true identity remains a mystery,”

A fragment of a stone vessel recently found in the tomb of Queen Merneith. It has an incised inscription with her name on the right and the mention of the royal treasury on the left. Photo courtesy of EC Köhler, M Minotti.

Köhler specified that Merneith, also known as Meret-Neith, may have been in charge of the treasury among other government offices, supporting the idea of her historical significance. She is the only 1st-Dynasty woman whose tomb has been uncovered in Abydos so far.

“Considering that these are the remains of people’s lives and actions from 5,000 years ago, we are stunned every day at the amazing detail we encounter during our investigations, including the perfectly preserved grape seeds, craftwork and even footprints in the mud,” Köhler said over email.

The Wine Jars are seen during the excavation of Merneith’s Tomb. Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology

Perfectly Preserved Grape 🍇 Seeds: Egypt’s Tourism Ministry highlighted hundreds of 5,000-year-old wine jars found in the tomb in the Umm al-Qaab area in Abydos, one of the oldest cities in Egypt located about 354 miles south of Cairo. Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology

Discoveries made in the dig also “challenge the long-held belief in human sacrifice,” Köhler added in the news release.

Next to Merneith’s burial site, archaeologists found a group of 41 tombs for her courtiers and servants, indicating these chambers were built during different periods of time.

“This observation, together with other evidence, radically challenges the oft-proposed, but unproven idea of ritual human sacrifice in the 1st Dynasty,” Köhler said.

The news release highlighted the discovery of hundreds of 5,000-year-old wine jars that had never been opened. The archaeological team—hailing from Egypt, Germany and Austria—found the remains of wine inside.

Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement that the discovered jars are large in size and “in a good condition of preservation.”

“Some of them are very well preserved with their jar stoppers still intact,” Köhler said.

[liberatingjepoy]

"24/7 Tourist Call Center: Your Gateway to Hassle-Free Travel!"

Exciting news for travelers across the nation! The Department of Tourism (DOT) has just unveiled its brand-new 24/7 Tourist Assistance Call Center, headquartered in the picturesque Angeles, Pampanga. This cutting-edge initiative aims to make your travel experience smoother by addressing all your queries and concerns round the clock. At present, the call center boasts a dedicated team of eight…

[tourismday]

Investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.  

Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism. And many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.

On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet.

Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.

Targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.   

So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.  

United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres on World Tourism Day 2023.

[marwahstudios]

Sandeep Marwah Honored with Iconic Award at Tourism Summit

New Delhi: Thirty-two years back I gave one word to English dictionary that is Film and Cultural Tourism, nobody could understand it. Today every country is talking about Film and Cultural Tourism and to honor my own term we have been able to attract approximately three million people to Noida Film City. We are also associated with seven thousand five hundred cultural events at Marwah Studios,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts while talking to the press at ITC Maurya during Iconic Awards 2023 designed by Jyoti Mayal of Redhat Communications.

The award was presented to Sandeep Marwah by Vinod Kumar Duggal former Governor of Manipur & Mizoram and Arvind Singh Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in the presence of large audience representing Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Industry and people from different strata of life.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Adventures are the best way to learn. The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” expressed Jyoti Mayal while introducing the awards. “This is an annual feature of Redhat Communications, and we select people from travel, tourism, and Hospitality Industry for this prestigious Iconic Awards for their extra ordinary contribution to nation building,”. She added.

Earlier a panel discussion on tourism took place and some prominent people like Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa former Indian Ambassador to Japan, Nakul Anand Executive Director ITC Limited, Rupinder Brar Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Mumbai, Mohammad Sarhan Vice President Emirates, H.E. Nguyen Thanh Hai Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Vir Sanghvi Author and Journalist were the panelists.

Harin Fernando Minister of Tourism & Lands Government of Sri Lanka, H.E. Firat Sunel Ambassador of Turkey to India, H.E. Agis Loizou Ambassador of Cyprus, H.E. Dr. Ashraf Shikhaliyev Ambassador of Azerbaijan, H.E. Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed Ambassador of Egypt, H.E. Sinisa Pavic Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Akhatov Dilshod Khamidovich Ambassador of Uzbekistan, H.E. G.M. Chipare Ambassador of Zimbabwe, K.L. Ganju Consular General of Comoros, and Ambassador Anil Wadhwa were also present there.

Rajeev Talwar CEO & Director DLF Developers Ltd, Madhu Jain Fashion Designer, Shazia IIlmi Politician & Journalist, Parineeta Sethi Chief Editor Global Spa India & Middle East & Peaklife, Ashwani Lohani former Chairman Railway Board & CMD Air India, Kapil Kaul CEO & Director CAPA India, Balbir Mayal Principal Advisor Redhat Communications, Naveen Jafa Historian & Dancer, Rituraj Khanna CEO Q Events, and Vishnu Shankar Chef Editor Global Spa & Middle East & Peaklife were the members of jury.

[uttarakhand-jagran]

मुख्यमंत्री की उपस्थिति में पर्यटन विभाग ने किया यमुनोत्री रोपवे प्रोजेक्ट का अनुबंध

देहरादून:  मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी एवं पर्यटन मंत्री सतपाल महाराज की उपस्थिति में गुरूवार को मुख्यमंत्री आवास में यमुनोत्री रोपवे प्रोजेक्ट के लिए पर्यटन विभाग, निजी निर्माण कंपनी एस.आर.एम. इंजीनियरिंग एवं एफआईएल इंडस्ट्री प्रा. लि. के बीच अनुबंध किया गया। ले. कमान्डर दीपक खण्डूरी (से.नि.) निदेशक अवस्थापना एवं श्री अविरल जैन ने एमओयू हस्ताक्षरित किया। मुख्यमंत्री पुष्कर सिंह धामी ने कहा कि…

[margaretthatchersdead]

Reasons to end the monarchy: Charles Edition

Well it's the coronation so you know what it's time for.

The entire concept of a monarchy is actively undemocratic. The head of state should not be someone who is only in that position because they were born into a certain family.

Having a monarchy upholds classism as a specific family of great wealth and power are viewed as superior to others.

They stand for a history of racism and imperialism. This country has done some truly terrible things in its history and the monarchy are a symbol of that. In order to attempt to begin to undo the harm that we have done, we need to remove this symbol of oppression.

The royal family have previously lobbied the government to hide their own personal wealth. Despite this, we are obviously aware that they have a large amount of wealth.

Prince Charles has himself lobbied the government on a number of occasions. His 'black spider memos' show that he has repeatedly pressured ministers on a wide range of topics from the Iraq war to badger culling to alternative therapies. He has used his power to lobby the government on subjects that would affect him.

The monarch does not occupy a ceremonial role as is frequently claimed. Ministers and civil servants have to consult the monarch. Civil servants have to get the consent of the royals on pieces of legislation, which can cause delays on implementation.

Even if the monarch did occupy a purely ceremonial role, as a literal billionaire he wields a ridiculously high amount of power over people.

Windsor Castle brings in less money than Windsor Legoland does. The many castles that are owned by the royal family could be used to create spaces for the public to enjoy or to be used as a shelter for the homeless. The Louvre in Paris used to be house of the French monarchy and gets over twenty times the tourists. Edinburgh castle hasn't had the monarchy live in it for centuries and yet still brings in tourism.

Prince Andrew is widely known to be connected to Jeffrey Epstein; yet he has not had to face any repercussions for his actions despite blatantly lying when being asked about his actions. The royal family have defended him and prevented him from facing the consequences of his actions.

They cost around £334 million per year. This money could be used to help the poor, given to the NHS, to repair and build infrastructure, to support small businesses that are struggling, pretty much anything.

The royal household publishes a much lower figure about the cost of the royal family, so they are actively trying to cover up their cost.

Charles has had access to confidential Cabinet papers, undermining our democracy.

He has publicly championed alternative medicine and has repeatedly promoted it. He sent at least seven letters to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, that then shortly relaxed the rules governing the labeling of herbal products, ones he as part of Charles's Duchy Originals produces.

He lobbied the health secretary regarding greater provision of alternative treatments on the NHS.

In 2018, 46% of Britons wanted him to abdicate immediately after Elizabeth died. He’s barely wanted by the country even with the sheer amount of pro-monarchy propaganda going around. Charles specifically is very unpopular.

In order to speak to him, broadcasters had to sign a 15-page contract, which includes Clarence house attending the rough and fine cut edits of films and if unhappy can remove that contribution, as well as stipulating that all questions directed at him must be pre-approved and vetted by his representative.

His personal wealth is £1.8 billion. He inherited a large amount of this from Elizabeth, with it being exempt from inheritance tax. Having an immunity from this tax when others don’t is ridiculous.

The Duchy of Cornwall was named in the Paradise papers.

The coronation is going to cost £100 million during a cost of living crisis.

People have been banned from protesting Charles with official warning letters were sent to anti-monarchists.

Protestors who block roads, airports and railways could face an entire year behind bars. Locking yourself to others, objects or buildings could go to prison for six months and face an unlimited fine. Police are allowed to head off disruption by stopping and searching protestors that they suspect.

The public were encouraged to swear allegiance to the new King when he gets sworn in, this is a deeply disturbing suggestion.

He's a billionaire who's going to use the public's money to celebrate himself.

The monarch has sweeping immunity from many laws

He owns business parks and small rented cottages, six of the ten top residential homes, 285,000 acres of mineral rich land. He’s ridiculously rich in a country where so many people are facing extreme poverty.

[blueiscoool]

Joint US-Egypt Archaeology Team Unearths 4,000-Year-Old Tomb in Luxor

11 coffins for men, women and children found inside necropolis, suggesting it was a family tomb.

Archeologists from Egypt and the United States unearthed an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near the famed city of Luxor, Egyptian authorities said in a statement Friday.

Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said that the tomb, which dates back to the Middle Kingdom (1938 BCE-1630 BCE), was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut on the Nile’s West Bank in Luxor.

The joint Egyptian-American mission excavating the necropolis found coffins for men, women and children, suggesting that it was a family tomb used for generations during the 12th Dynasty and the beginning of the 13th Dynasty, said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt.

He said ancient floods destroyed most of the burials’ wooden coffins and linen wrappings.

However, some items such as jewelry in women’s burials were found intact, including a finely crafted necklace with 30 amethyst beads and two cylindrical agate beads framing a hippo-head amulet, according to the statement.

Katherine Blakeney, chief American archeologist with the South Asasif Conservation Project, said they found two copper mirrors, one with a lotus-shaped handle, and the second with a unique design of Hathor, goddess of the sky, women, fertility and love in ancient Egypt.

According to a statement from the South Asasif Conservation Project, directed by Dr. Elena Pischikova, this find is the first Middle Kingdom tomb found in the area.

The project’s statement referenced several finds, including a green-blue glazed faience fertility figurine with truncated legs, decorated with jewelry markings on the legs and torso, and a square-shaped offering tray with relief representations of a bull’s head, a loaf of bread and other offerings.

In the 11 discovered burials, team member Dr. Afaf Wahba identified the skeletons of five women, two men and three children. Six of the individuals — primary females — were interred with burial assemblages.

[kropotkindersurprise]

PFLP poster commemorating the assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi on October 17, 2001. Ze'evi was an IDF general and far-right politician, and was minister of tourism in the Israeli government when he was killed by a four-man PFLP squad.

The operation was in retaliation for the murder of PFLP secretary-general Abu Ali Mustafah by Israel in august of that year. [link]

[coochiequeens]

Archeaology gives us the name of another woman in History

Archaeologists digging in one of the oldest cities in Egypt have discovered evidence that sheds new light on the life of the ancient Egyptian queen Merneith, who ruled during the 1st Dynasty.

The excavation of a tomb in the Umm al-Qaab area in Abydos found an inscription on a “stone vessel” that provides new historical information about Merneith’s reign, during which she held “a great position” and was responsible for the central government offices, said Christiana Köhler, who led the dig.

“It has been speculated that Merneith may have been the first female Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt,” Köhler said in a news release, “but her true identity remains a mystery,”

A fragment of a stone vessel recently found in the tomb of Queen Merneith. It has an incised inscription with her name on the right and the mention of the royal treasury on the left. Photo courtesy of EC Köhler, M Minotti.

Köhler specified that Merneith, also known as Meret-Neith, may have been in charge of the treasury among other government offices, supporting the idea of her historical significance. She is the only 1st-Dynasty woman whose tomb has been uncovered in Abydos so far.

“Considering that these are the remains of people’s lives and actions from 5,000 years ago, we are stunned every day at the amazing detail we encounter during our investigations, including the perfectly preserved grape seeds, craftwork and even footprints in the mud,” Köhler said over email.

The wine jars are seen during the excavation of Merneith’s tomb. Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology

Egypt’s Tourism Ministry highlighted hundreds of 5,000-year-old wine jars found in the tomb in the Umm al-Qaab area in Abydos, one of the oldest cities in Egypt located about 354 miles south of Cairo. Photo courtesy of Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology

Discoveries made in the dig also “challenge the long-held belief in human sacrifice,” Köhler added in the news release.

Next to Merneith’s burial site, archaeologists found a group of 41 tombs for her courtiers and servants, indicating these chambers were built during different periods of time.

“This observation, together with other evidence, radically challenges the oft-proposed, but unproven idea of ritual human sacrifice in the 1st Dynasty,” Köhler said.

The news release highlighted the discovery of hundreds of 5,000-year-old wine jars that had never been opened. The archaeological team—hailing from Egypt, Germany and Austria—found the remains of wine inside.

Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement that the discovered jars are large in size and “in a good condition of preservation.”

“Some of them are very well preserved with their jar stoppers still intact,” Köhler said.

[townpostin]

Kolhan's Tourism Potential Highlighted by SCCI to State Officials

Chamber meets with Tourism Dept., presents proposals for regional development The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) delegation discussed Kolhan’s tourism potential with state officials. JAMSHEDPUR – SCCI representatives met with Tourism Department officials to propose enhancements for Kolhan’s tourism sector. During the meeting in Ranchi, the SCCI delegation, spearheaded by…

[fuckyeahmarxismleninism]

'Long live the 17th of October -- The people’s ruling is executed'

Less than two months after the assassination of the Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Abu Ali Mustafa, by Zionist occupation forces, three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine succeeded in assassinating the Israeli Minister of Tourism, Rehavam Zeevi, in Jerusalem on October 17, 2001.

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

By Eli Lake and Danielle Shapiro

Since the October 7 massacre, a small “charity” based in Canada has been ubiquitous on elite college campuses, celebrating the bloodbath at public rallies and seminars. The group is called Samidoun, and it claims to be an NGO advocating on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.

On Tuesday, the U.S. and Canadian governments put an end to that charade. 

Samidoun is not a charity at all. Rather, it’s a group “that serves as an international fundraiser for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist organization,” according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Treasury Department. The government describes it as a “sham.”

For anyone who has followed the history of Palestinian terrorism, PFLP is a name you’re no doubt familiar with. It was founded in 1967 as a Marxist revolutionary group, and was supported during the Cold War by China and the Soviet Union. In 1976, the PFLP teamed up with West Germany’s Baader-Meinhof group to hijack a flight from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Entebbe, Uganda, separating Jewish and non-Jewish passenger hostages. Eventually, Israeli commandos freed the hostages. The episode was turned into the movie 7 Days in Entebbe.

For most of the 1990s and 2000s, PFLP was largely an afterthought for both Israelis and Palestinians (though it did murder an Israeli tourism minister in 2001). That began to change in 2019, when the PFLP killed a 17-year-old girl in the West Bank with a roadside bomb that also injured her father and brother. Since then, the government of Israel has pressed its allies to designate Samidoun as a terrorist front for the PFLP. The designations from Canada and the U.S. on Tuesday are the culmination of that effort. 

One place where that designation will have an effect is elite campuses, where Samidoun has long established itself as a partner—and funder—for anti-Israel student initiatives. Just in the past year, Samidoun has co-sponsored a divestment rally at Princeton, taught an “Abolish Imperialism” lecture at Harvard Law School and, most infamously, led a “Palestinian Resistance 101” teach-in at Columbia University that resulted in the suspension of multiple student organizers who used the event to “promote the use of terror or violence.” 

As far back as 2017, Princeton’s Palestine club shared links from Samidoun’s media page and encouraged students to work with the group on initiatives to free a Palestinian activist who had assaulted an Israeli soldier. In 2022, Princeton’s Palestine club again partnered with Samidoun to lead a “Palestinian Prisoner Letter-Writing Session” on campus. This long and close relationship between Princeton students and faculty and Samidoun has been replicated at top universities across the country.

Matthew Levitt, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former FBI analyst and deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury Department, told The Free Press that the U.S. and Canadian governments have debated over the last year about designating Samidoun a terrorist group. Their reservation was due to the fact that Western governments do not sanction organizations based just on violent and hateful speech. “They have been saying horrible and nasty things,” Levitt said. “We don’t designate people for saying nasty things.” 

What turned the tide, according to Levitt, was that Israel had accumulated mounds of evidence that Samidoun was, in effect, a fundraising arm for the PFLP. Some of this information has been available for some time. For example, Israel’s Ministry of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy released a report in 2019 that detailed Samidoun’s role in raising money for the PFLP. That report claims that PFLP operatives transferred money from Lebanon to a man named Khaled Barakat when he was living in Europe. On Tuesday, Barakat was also designated as a foreign terrorist financier. His wife, Charlotte Kates, is Samidoun’s “international coordinator.” 

In 2022, the Netherlands barred Kates and Barakat from entering the country where they had planned to land and then drive to a pro-Palestine march in Belgium. More recently, Germany designated Samidoun as a terrorist organization in November 2023. 

Even though PFLP has not captured the headlines of better-known groups like Hamas or Hezbollah, it remains deadly. Although it was not involved in the original planning for October 7, the terrorist group joined the massacre once it was underway. NGO Monitor has published PFLP statements and Telegram posts that show its participation in the 2023 attack, joining after the first wave of Hamas operatives.