‍

Toronto (January 8, 2025) – Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is urging the Canadian government to add to its official terror list the radical Islamic organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, which advocates for the re-establishment of an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law. Widely condemned for its antisemitic, extremist rhetoric and glorification of terrorism, the group has been banned in many countries, including the United Kingdom.

FSWC's appeal to Ottawa comes as the Canadian branch, Hizb ut Tahrir Canada, prepares to host a conference on January 18, titled “The Khilafah: Eliminating the Obstacles That Are Delaying Its Return.” The conference's location remains unclear, as the group’s promotional videos have mentioned both Mississauga and Hamilton. Mayors of both cities have spoken out against the planned event.

Promotional materials for the event assert, “It is only with the total and complete implementation of Islam and the establishment of the Khilafah State that Muslims can regain their rightful position in the world once again. We can lead humanity with the light and guidance of Islam, liberating it from darknesses imposed by the Secular-Capitalist system once and for all!”

The extremist group stated that the event will discuss the steps needed to “become victorious against today’s Colonialist superpowers,” including the US, Europe, Russia and China.

Articles published online by the global Hizb ut-Tahrir vilify the Jewish people, Israel and the Western world, including stating, “Allah is greater than the Jews and their corruption and aggression... Allah is greater than America and its arrogance” and “The elimination of the Jewish entity is a promise from Allah.” Hizb ut-Tahrir's writings also glorify Hamas terrorism, including calling the terror group’s former leader Yahya Sinwar a “heroic, pious and pure man” and declaring that the October 7 massacre in Israel “is a clear indication of the inherent goodness and potential of this Ummah.”

Globally, Hizb ut-Tahrir has been banned in the UK, Germany and several Central Asian, South Asian and Arab countries. Last year, the UK proscribed the group as a terrorist organization, with its then Home Secretary James Cleverly stating the group is “an antisemitic organization that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.”

FSWC President and CEO Michael Levitt issued the following statement:

“This organization speaks to the extremism and radicalization that are becoming increasingly visible and toxic to Canadian society, posing a serious threat to our shared values and public safety through its hateful rhetoric and incitement. Hizb ut-Tahrir’s public calls for the defeat of Western democracies and promotion of antisemitism and terrorism are deeply concerning.

“In the wake of the recent deadly terror attack in New Orleans and multiple foiled terror plots in Canada, it's critical that governments at all levels, alongside law enforcement, take decisive action. Allowing such a group to operate freely within our borders not only endangers the safety of our communities but also sends a troubling message about Canada’s commitment to combatting antisemitism, hate and the forces of radicalization that threaten our shared values of democracy, freedom and human rights.

“We call on our government to follow in the UK’s footsteps, taking immediate action to ban this dangerous organization by officially listing it as a terror organization under the Criminal Code. Taking this step will ensure that this malevolent group cannot spread its ideologies or recruit others to its cause.”

‍