TORONTO – A newly opened restaurant in Scarborough is drawing scrutiny from members of the Toronto Jewish community after its name was linked, through publicly available online material, to a figure associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, an organization listed as a terrorist entity by the Government of Canada.
According to the restaurant’s website and promotional material reviewed by Israel Now, the establishment appears to be named after Ghassan Kanafani, a senior figure historically associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, commonly known as the PFLP. The PFLP has been designated as a terrorist organization under Canada’s Criminal Code for decades.
Israel Now, a pro-Israel advocacy organization, said it is seeking additional information to determine whether the restaurant’s branding constitutes the glorification of a terrorist individual or organization, which can be a criminal offense under Canadian law depending on intent and context.
“Any public glorification of individuals tied to listed terrorist organizations raises serious legal and moral questions,” an Israel Now representative said in a statement. “Given the current climate and recent acts of terrorism targeting Jewish communities abroad, this is not an abstract concern.”
The issue has resonated strongly within Toronto’s Jewish community, particularly following the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, which left multiple members of the Jewish community dead and injured. Community leaders have said that global incidents of antisemitic violence heighten sensitivity to symbols or messaging that may normalize or celebrate terrorism.
Under Canadian law, the promotion, advocacy, or glorification of terrorism can constitute a criminal offense if it meets specific legal thresholds. The Criminal Code prohibits knowingly advocating or promoting the commission of terrorism offenses, as well as participating in or facilitating terrorist activity. Legal experts note that each case is fact-specific and depends on evidence of intent, messaging, and context.
Public Safety Canada lists the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as a terrorist organization, citing its history of attacks against civilians and involvement in international terrorism. The designation makes it illegal to knowingly participate in or contribute to the activities of the group.
At the time of publication, there has been no public statement from the restaurant’s owners addressing the concerns or explaining the origin of the name. Israel Now said it is in the process of gathering documentation, including archived web content and promotional materials, before determining its next steps.
“We are not jumping to conclusions,” the organization said. “We are seeking clarity, facts, and accountability. If there is no intent to glorify terrorism, that should be made clear publicly. If there is, then appropriate action must follow.”
Community advocates emphasized that the concern is not related to cuisine, cultural expression, or political speech broadly, but rather to the potential normalization of individuals linked to violence against civilians.
“There is no moral equivalency when it comes to terrorism,” said one Toronto-based Jewish community leader who asked not to be named due to security concerns. “In the wake of attacks on Jews in Australia and elsewhere, symbols matter. Names matter.”
Law enforcement agencies in Canada have not commented publicly on the specific matter. Experts note that investigations related to terrorism related offenses are typically handled with discretion and may involve multiple agencies.
Israel Now said it intends to engage with relevant authorities if warranted and to keep the community informed as more information becomes available.
“Our priority is the safety and dignity of the Jewish community,” the organization said. “That means addressing potential threats early and responsibly.”
The situation continues to be monitored closely by community organizations amid broader concerns about rising antisemitism and extremist symbolism in Canada.
