Hamas-linked groups have reportedly mentioned American activist Linda Sarsour, who has political ties to a Democratic candidate for New York mayor, as a potential guest for a scheduled conference in Turkey. However, Sarsour has refuted claims of accepting any invitation.
The People’s Congress of Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), organizing the Palestinian National Forum for Dialogue in Istanbul this November, stated that Sarsour “plans to participate.” In 2021, Israel classified the PCPA as a front for Hamas. When approached by the Daily Caller News Foundation for her thoughts on the group and the event, Sarsour expressed surprise at her name being included and said she was unaware of the announcement until contacted by the DCNF.
“This is false information, and I will not be attending this meeting,” she stated in an email to the DCNF.
Sarsour has backed Congressman Zoran Mamdani’s political ascent, especially during his recent campaign, which has gained traction among certain groups. They, along with accusations of having rhetoric that aligns with Hamas, have been under scrutiny. Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, Mamdani commented on Israel’s “occupation” without directly condemning terrorist factions. He labeled Israel’s military actions as a “horrible war crime” to commemorate the anniversary of the attack. Meanwhile, Sarsour has denied endorsing Hamas or any violence against innocents and criticized the negativity she perceives in pro-Palestinian circles.
Efforts to reach Mamdani’s team for comment did not yield a response. He emerged victorious against a moderate Democratic rival in the primary and is currently seen as the leading contender for the November election.
The PCPA’s forum will address issues surrounding “Judaization, uprooting and annexation” along with allegations of a “genocidal war” in Palestinian areas, according to their statement. The PCPA did not reply to multiple inquiries from DCNF.
Israel has maintained that the PCPA acts as a terrorist organization for Hamas. In September, leaked internal documents from Hamas indicated involvement in the PCPA, including endorsements from high-ranking Hamas members and the late leader Ismail Haniyeh.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the PCPA masquerades as a civilian organization while facilitating anti-Israel demonstrations. There are claims linking climate activist Greta Thunberg’s recent visit to Gaza with the PCPA.
A Wednesday statement from the PCPA applauded the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by President Donald Trump, attributing the resolution to the “indomitable spirit and heroic resistance of the Palestinian people.”
Alongside Sarsour, the PCPA’s announcement featured others with alleged ties to terrorism, such as Hisham Abu Mahfouz and Ahmed Abd Alhadi, who both posted on social media about their affiliations. Another participant, Munir Shafiq, previously led a group responsible for past attacks on Israel. Yet another listed guest is Wada Kanfar, a former Al Jazeera executive, who has been associated with Hamas for years.
