On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a major case stemming from the murder of Ari Fuld HY”D, a beloved American-Israeli activist and father of four who was killed in a 2018 terrorist stabbing in Israel. The case, Miriam Fuld v. Palestine Liberation Organization, centers on whether current U.S. law grants courts jurisdiction to hear civil claims against foreign entities like the PLO when American citizens are victims of terrorism abroad.

The hearing did not debate new legislation, but rather sought to determine whether existing congressional statutes allow for such legal action in U.S. courts. Representing the Fuld family was Rockland County (Monsey) attorney Sam Silverman, a prominent advocate for victims of terrorism. The family, seated in the courtroom, listened intently as the justices posed challenging legal questions. A ruling is expected later this spring or summer. YWN had a reporter on-site to cover the day’s proceedings.

After the hearing, the Fulds visited the Capitol Hill office of Congressman Mike Lawler, who has been a staunch supporter of terror victims. The family thanked Lawler for his commitment and compassion, and the Congressman reaffirmed his resolve to stand against antisemitism and terrorism. In a deeply personal moment, he pledged to continue advocating for justice for victims like Ari Fuld and to ensure that those who support terror are held accountable.

Lawler’s efforts go beyond words. Weeks before the Supreme Court hearing, on February 27, 2025, Congressman Lawler joined Representatives Claudia Tenney, Jared Moskowitz, and Josh Gottheimer to reintroduce the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at imposing sanctions on Palestinian officials and institutions involved in the “pay-for-slay” terror payment system. The bill targets those who financially reward terrorists and their families, including foreign individuals, institutions, and government bodies facilitating these transactions.

“Pay-to-slay terrorism is a disgraceful and inhumane practice,” said Lawler. “The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act will ensure those who enable these horrific acts are held fully accountable. We are delivering a clear and unwavering message: terrorism will not be tolerated or rewarded.”

This legislation comes amid ongoing outrage over the Palestinian Authority’s continued financial support for terrorists. As YWN reported in September of 2023, the PA doubled the monthly stipend to Khalil Yousef Ali Jabarin, the terrorist who murdered Ari Fuld, even as he serves a life sentence for the attack.

Even more disturbing, in January 2025, YWN reported that Jabarin was slated for release as part of the hostage exchange deal. Although it remains unclear whether that release has taken place, the very prospect has intensified calls for greater accountability and legislative action — including the very sanctions bill Lawler now champions.

Ari Fuld was murdered on September 16, 2018, at the Gush Etzion Junction. Despite being stabbed by a 17-year-old Palestinian terrorist from Yatta, Fuld heroically pursued and shot his attacker, preventing further harm. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Fuld, who was also an American citizen, was widely recognized as a fierce defender of Israel and a passionate educator. He was known for creating viral videos explaining Israeli policy and Torah ideas, delivering care packages to IDF soldiers, and traveling to border communities under fire. His story was widely reported by YWN at the time full coverage here.

As the Supreme Court deliberates on the jurisdictional questions posed by Miriam Fuld v. PLO, the stakes remain high for the Fuld family — and for American victims of terrorism worldwide. With legal representation from Monsey and unwavering support from Congressman Lawler and others, the Fulds continue to fight not only for justice in Ari’s memory but for change that will protect other innocent lives from similar tragedy.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)