Urgent Actions Needed to Combat Terrorism and Support Victims’ Rights

Urgent Actions Needed to Combat Terrorism and Support Victims’ Rights

Ari Fuld’s tragic murder last month highlights an urgent need for justice and accountability in the face of terrorism.

Ari was an American who emigrated to Israel in the 1990s. A devoted father of four, he dedicated his life to supporting Israel, serving in the military and advocating for its interests after retiring. Tragically, in 2018, a Palestinian terrorist attacked him at a shopping mall, stabbing him in the back. Although he managed to pursue the assailant and even fire back, the severity of his injuries resulted in his death within hours.

Last month, Ari’s murderer was released from an Israeli prison as part of a hostage negotiation following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023. This release raises serious ethical questions, especially since the attacker’s family has since benefited financially through a controversial policy that rewards families of terrorists.

Compensation for Terrorism

The so-called “pay-for-slay” program offers financial support to the families of those who commit acts of terror. This initiative has drawn immense criticism, not only for its moral implications but also for its encouragement of continued violence against innocent people. It perpetuates a cycle of revenge and retribution that threatens the security of many, including American citizens.

Ari’s family is not alone in their fight for justice. Since the 1990s, American victims of terrorism and their families have had the ability to file civil suits against their perpetrators due to legislation from Congress. This framework was reinforced by the 2019 “Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act,” which aimed to strengthen legal recourse for those affected by terrorism.

Supreme Court’s Role

On April 1, the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of this law. The case is particularly significant, bearing Ari Fuld’s name as his family seeks justice against Palestinian terrorists. Their plea to the justices is clear: uphold the civil rights of American victims and deter future terrorist acts by ensuring that Americans can hold their attackers accountable in a court of law.

The dilemma extends beyond Ari Fuld’s family. The Palestinian Authority allocates nearly $350 million annually to support families of terrorists, a funding mechanism that undermines both justice and peace efforts. This initiative, formally referred to as the “Martyr’s Fund,” signals vibrant support for a violent agenda. Despite recent claims from the PA that it has ceased such payments, the reality remains unchanged, as leadership has assured continued financial rewards for acts of terror.

Legal and Moral Imperatives

American victims deserve the unequivocal right to seek justice against those who support terror. The constitutional basis for such lawsuits is robust, as numerous legal experts have demonstrated. Lower courts have acknowledged that while the U.S. government possesses the authority to impose criminal liability on foreign entities that kill Americans, they ruled that allowing civil cases would be fundamentally unfair. This assertion is misguided; there is nothing inherently unjust about requiring those who perpetrate violence to face civil penalties.

Moreover, the moral implications are profound. No American family should live under the shadow of fear, knowing that if a loved one becomes a victim of terror, the perpetrator’s family may prosper from their suffering. To uphold justice, victims should possess the right to claim financial reparations from those who facilitate terror-associated compensation.

Advocating for Concrete Change

The Supreme Court’s decision is critical, but the responsibilities extend to Congress as well. Legislative action must address the Palestinian pay-for-slay program directly. There is an urgent need to pass the “PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act,” proposed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York.

This bill aims to impose stringent sanctions on any entity providing financial support to terrorists who kill innocent individuals. By crippling the financial resources of Palestinian factions that reward such heinous acts, lawmakers can act decisively against terrorism and protect American families.

Ari Fuld’s murderer may have secured temporary freedom, but the pursuit of justice must remain relentless. No American family should endure the pain experienced by Ari’s loved ones. Society must strive to ensure that similar tragedies are never repeated.

Call to Action

The responsibility now falls on our legal and legislative institutions to take decisive action against terror and injustice. It is imperative to support victims’ rights firmly. Through comprehensive legal measures and keen oversight, we can foster a safer and more just society for all.