Define Terrorism Now: Hold the United Nations Accountable
Define Terrorism Now: Hold the United Nations Accountable
The Issue
We, the undersigned, call on the United States government to lead a global initiative urging the United Nations to adopt a clear and enforceable definition of terrorism.
For too long, the UN’s inability to define terrorism has weakened the international community’s response to violent non-state actors who target civilians and destabilize entire regions. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas shows just how dangerous this failure is.
Hamas has carried out deadly attacks on civilians while embedding itself in the heart of densely populated areas, using Palestinian civilians as human shields — a clear violation of international law. Yet because the UN has never formally designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, Israel is left operating in a legal gray zone, facing intense scrutiny even while trying to defend its people.
Why this matters:
Without a clear UN definition of terrorism, global propaganda thrives. Violent groups like Hamas exploit this ambiguity to present themselves as freedom fighters, while launching attacks on civilians. Meanwhile, Israel is portrayed by many as the aggressor, even in self-defense.
This distortion is made worse by the UN’s silence. When the world’s leading institution for peace refuses to name terrorism for what it is, it creates a vacuum where misinformation spreads. Propaganda flourishes. Justice is denied. And the innocent — both Israeli and Palestinian — suffer.
The hidden cost: rising anti-Semitism
The UN’s failure to define terrorism doesn’t just hurt international law — it contributes to rising anti-Semitism. When groups like Hamas aren’t labeled as terrorist organizations, yet Israel is relentlessly condemned for defending its citizens, it fuels a dangerous narrative. This selective criticism often crosses the line from legitimate debate into outright hate — and Jewish communities around the world feel the impact.
By refusing to name terrorism for what it is, the UN not only fails in its duty — it also feeds global prejudice. Words matter. Definitions matter. And silence, in this case, speaks volumes.
Our call to action:
We urge U.S. lawmakers to use their leadership at the UN to break this deadlock and push for a comprehensive, internationally recognized definition of terrorism. The time to act is now.
Respectfully,
71
The Issue
We, the undersigned, call on the United States government to lead a global initiative urging the United Nations to adopt a clear and enforceable definition of terrorism.
For too long, the UN’s inability to define terrorism has weakened the international community’s response to violent non-state actors who target civilians and destabilize entire regions. The current conflict between Israel and Hamas shows just how dangerous this failure is.
Hamas has carried out deadly attacks on civilians while embedding itself in the heart of densely populated areas, using Palestinian civilians as human shields — a clear violation of international law. Yet because the UN has never formally designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, Israel is left operating in a legal gray zone, facing intense scrutiny even while trying to defend its people.
Why this matters:
Without a clear UN definition of terrorism, global propaganda thrives. Violent groups like Hamas exploit this ambiguity to present themselves as freedom fighters, while launching attacks on civilians. Meanwhile, Israel is portrayed by many as the aggressor, even in self-defense.
This distortion is made worse by the UN’s silence. When the world’s leading institution for peace refuses to name terrorism for what it is, it creates a vacuum where misinformation spreads. Propaganda flourishes. Justice is denied. And the innocent — both Israeli and Palestinian — suffer.
The hidden cost: rising anti-Semitism
The UN’s failure to define terrorism doesn’t just hurt international law — it contributes to rising anti-Semitism. When groups like Hamas aren’t labeled as terrorist organizations, yet Israel is relentlessly condemned for defending its citizens, it fuels a dangerous narrative. This selective criticism often crosses the line from legitimate debate into outright hate — and Jewish communities around the world feel the impact.
By refusing to name terrorism for what it is, the UN not only fails in its duty — it also feeds global prejudice. Words matter. Definitions matter. And silence, in this case, speaks volumes.
Our call to action:
We urge U.S. lawmakers to use their leadership at the UN to break this deadlock and push for a comprehensive, internationally recognized definition of terrorism. The time to act is now.
Respectfully,
71
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on April 4, 2025