Toronto (September 10, 2019) – In a letter sent to CUPE leaders, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) denounced and expressed concern regarding the organization’s decision to allow an accused former member of a Palestinian terror group, Issam Al-Yamani, to speak at the CUPE Local 3902 head office this evening.

In a letter to CUPE President Mark Hancock and CUPE 3902 Executive Director Wayne Dealy, FSWC stated: “As a reputable labour organization mandated to stand up for human rights, we would not expect you to lend your support to an individual who faces credible accusations of being involved in terrorist activity. If Al-Yamani was never in fact a member of the PFLP terrorist organization, and the allegations made by the CBSA are unfounded, then Al-Yamani should clear his name before being given the opportunity to have an audience with your membership.”

According to the organizers of the event, the event is being co-hosted by a CUPE 3902 committee that supports the antisemitic BDS movement.