Dear Friend,

This #GivingTuesday, we’re asking you to join Combatants for Peace in confronting a hard truth: terrorism doesn’t only come from militant groups. Too often, it’s also embedded in structures of power — in laws, in policy, and in unchecked violence.

The Legal Definition Matters

In Israel, the counter-terrorism law is broad: it can criminalize not just violent acts, but also “support” or “identification” with organizations that are designated as terrorist. This risks labeling legitimate political activism or humanitarian work as terrorism — undermining fundamental human rights.

Violence from the Ground Up

Palestinian communities in the West Bank are facing a huge surge in violence from settlers. Since January 2025, there have been over 1,485 documented settler attacks - that's more than 4 attacks per day. These incidents range from property destruction and arson to physical assaults — carried out in many cases with impunity. Meanwhile, investigations into such violence are dropping: in the first half of 2025, only a fraction of the complaints filed by Palestinians resulted in criminal investigations.

Why This Matters for Human Rights

We cannot separate “terrorism” committed by non-state actors from the structural violence that displaces, intimidates, and terrorizes civilians under occupation. When the state or its proxies commit violence — and when the legal system broadly defines terrorism — justice becomes deeply compromised.

How We Respond

• We deliver direct accompaniment to Palestinian communities under threat, offering protection through presence.

• We support and organize nonviolent, cross-community actions — Palestinians and Israelis working together to challenge violence peacefully.

• We advocate for accountability: for all those responsible, regardless of who commits violence, to face the same legal and moral standards.