A far-left organization in New York City behind protests against Israel is set to publish a book authored by a Palestinian activist who has long been a member of a terrorist faction, documents show.
The People’s Forum, a socialist “movement incubator for working class and marginalized communities to build unity across historic lines of division at home and abroad,” has been leading demonstrations calling for a Middle East ceasefire after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack on Israel. And on Friday evening, the Manhattan-based nonprofit group is hosting an event turning heads among members of Congress: a book launch for Wisam Rafeedie, who authored the “Trinity of Fundamentals” and has been a member for decades of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which notably participated in the massacre last year in the Jewish state that killed over 1,200 people.
The PFLP has been designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization since 1997.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said the IRS should revoke the tax-exempt status of “any organization that promotes antisemitism, amplifies pro-Hamas rhetoric, or is funded by our foreign adversaries.”
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), a House Homeland Security Committee member representing areas of Long Island, told the Washington Examiner, “It is vital that all federal departments and agencies do everything in their power to prevent terrorists and their enablers from working against our nation’s interests.” He continued, “I am calling on the IRS to investigate the disturbing claims made against the People’s Forum that they are advancing the agenda of those who advocate violence against our country.”
The book launch, which is through the People’s Forum’s store called 1804 Books, is likely to lead to more lawmakers raising concerns over the group’s tax-exempt status. The People’s Forum is a 501(c)(3) charity known for pushing pro-Chinese Communist Party talking points. It is organizing pro-Palestinian protests sympathetic to Hamas and has raked in millions of dollars in dark money through the Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund, as well as CCP-tied entities, tax forms show.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) notably asked the Justice Department in August of last year to investigate the People’s Forum and other organizations linked to a reported CCP propaganda operation funded by socialist businessman Neville Roy Singham. Last Sunday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) slammed pro-ceasefire activists like the People’s Forum as being “directly connected” to Russia.
Rafeedie, whose book was written in 1993 while he was in Israeli prison for activism on behalf of the PFLP, is listed on a 2006 Palestinian Central Elections Commission document as being affiliated with the terrorist group.
According to the People’s Forum, Rafeedie’s book “was smuggled out” of jail by his “comrades” and “is the fictionalized account of former Palestinian prisoner Rafeedie’s nine-year experience hiding from the occupation, now presented in its first-ever English translation.”
“From historical events like the First Intifada and the Gulf War to the deeply intimate moments of life in hiding, this story gives us a glimpse into what life looks like when it is wholly dedicated to the cause of liberation and is transformed by revolution,” the People’s Forum says on its website. “As we continue on the path in defense of Gaza against the Zionist genocide, we must work to deepen our collective understanding of the Palestinian struggle and its many manifestations across our noble history.”
The First Intifada, which lasted between 1987 and 1993, was a period of violent uprising featuring widespread Palestinian terrorist attacks on Israel.
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Rafeedie notably came under the spotlight last year when the University of Pennsylvania hosted him for a Palestinian literature festival, prompting billionaire donors, including Ron Lauder, to halt donations to the school over antisemitism concerns.
The People’s Forum did not return a request for comment.
