Nitsana Darshan-Leitner: The Lawyer Who Bankrupts Terrorism
Terrorism is a global problem, and one Israeli lawyer has taken a bold and unconventional approach to fighting it—by hitting terrorist organizations where it hurts most: their finances. Meet Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, a legal warrior who sues terrorists and state sponsors of terror through her NGO, Shurat HaDin – Israel Law Center. Her mission? “Bankrupt terrorism, one lawsuit at a time.”
Fighting Terrorism in the Courtroom
Born to Iranian immigrants, Nitsana grew up acutely aware of the dangers posed by radicalism in the Middle East. Today, she works with Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, to trace the financial activity of terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad, as well as state sponsors of terrorism such as Iran and North Korea.
Her innovative legal strategy involves serving lawsuits, proving accountability for terror attacks, and obtaining judgments that target the assets of these organizations. From bank accounts to real estate holdings, nothing is off-limits in her quest to ensure justice for terror victims and their families.
A Landmark Case: The Baby Chaya Tragedy
One of her most notable cases was inspired by a tragic attack in Jerusalem in October 2014. A Hamas terrorist rammed a car into a crowd, killing a 3-month-old baby named Chaya. Nitsana took action by suing the Islamic Republic of Iran for its financial support of Hamas. The result? A U.S. court awarded the victim’s family $178.7 million—a powerful statement against state-sponsored terrorism.
While no amount of money can bring back a lost loved one, these lawsuits serve as both compensation for victims and a deterrent to those who fund terror.
Pursuing Justice Against Global Giants
Nitsana’s legal battles extend beyond terror organizations. She has taken on global entities like the Red Cross, accusing them of failing to fulfill their humanitarian obligations during armed conflicts involving Israel. Her argument highlights how indifference can perpetuate injustice, as seen historically during the Holocaust.
Why Financial Warfare Matters
“Terrorism is not just an Israeli problem,” Nitsana explains. “It’s a global problem.” By targeting funding sources, her work underscores a critical truth: money is the lifeblood of terror. Without financial support, terror networks cannot sustain operations.
Her legal victories have already led to billions of dollars in judgments against terror groups and their backers. These successes send a strong message that terrorism comes with a price—a price that can bankrupt its perpetrators.
A Call to Action
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner’s work serves as a reminder that combating terrorism requires more than military might. Whether on the battlefield, through intelligence, or in the courtroom, everyone has a role to play.
Her unwavering dedication inspires us to fight for justice and accountability, proving that even against the most formidable adversaries, resilience and innovation can prevail.
Join the Fight Against Terrorism
Nitsana’s efforts show that no organization is untouchable. As terrorism continues to threaten communities worldwide, her groundbreaking approach offers hope and a blueprint for action.
Discover more about her work and how you can support the fight against terror at Shurat HaDin.
