The Dangers of Labeling Terrorism as a “Confusion

In recent years, we’ve seen an alarming trend in how violent attacks, particularly those linked to terrorism, are being addressed by the media and political leaders. A new phenomenon seems to have emerged, one that sanitizes violent actions and removes any sense of accountability: the act of labeling perpetrators as “confused.”

It is indeed a fascinating development, but one with dire consequences. The core problem at hand is clear: terrorism is not a result of confusion; it is an intentional, deliberate act of hatred and violence. Yet, in many cases, the world has started to categorize these heinous actions as mere manifestations of mental illness or personal confusion. The most glaring example of this came recently in Amsterdam, where a man stabbed five people in Dam Square. Initially, the perpetrator’s background was left largely unaddressed, and reports seemed to take great care to avoid any hint of profiling. The attacker was eventually identified as being from Ukraine, but the real issue is the tendency to minimize the motivations behind such an attack.

While in this case the individual was not from a Muslim background, there are countless examples of similar acts of violence tied to radical ideologies. The truth is that many violent acts of terror—particularly those targeting Jewish communities or carried out in the name of radical Islam—are often met with dismissive language, like “confusion.” This kind of rhetoric dismisses the reality of rising hate-driven attacks, particularly anti-Semitic violence.

Consider the long history of attacks that have been labeled as “confused” actions rather than recognized for what they truly are—terrorist acts driven by ideology:

• August 19, 2016: A rabbi was stabbed by an individual, later explained away as “mentally unstable,” though he was Muslim.

• 2017: A Syrian attacker targeted a kosher restaurant in Amsterdam.

• March 18, 2019: A terrorist attack in Utrecht, Netherlands, claimed multiple lives, carried out by a “confused” Turkish Muslim.

• September 17, 2022: A Syrian man went on a stabbing spree in Almelo, later attributed to mental illness.

• February 1, 2025: A Syrian man was involved in the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl in Nieuwegein.

• February 5, 2025: Another Syrian perpetrated a brutal attack in Austria, killing a 14-year-old and injuring five others.

These are just a few instances where violence has been downplayed with the narrative of “confusion,” completely missing the larger issue: we’re dealing with an ideologically driven, calculated form of terror.

This trend is not just limited to individuals. It reflects a larger societal problem. Anti-Semitism, particularly, has become widespread in parts of Europe, and we are witnessing the rise of what could be called “Spontaneous Anti-Semitic Syndrome.” This term humorously but poignantly captures the growth of hatred toward Jews, often stoked by radical ideologies and unchecked narratives. And the political leadership in Europe? Well, many leaders appear infected with “Mass Narcissism Syndrome,” wherein they deceive the public into accepting the idea that “confusion” is to blame for such atrocities, rather than confronting the real, underlying threat posed by terrorist organizations.

This attempt to sanitize acts of terrorism by attributing them to confusion is not just a political error—it is dangerous. It plays into the hands of terrorist organizations by diminishing their responsibility and the severity of their actions. Terrorist groups thrive when the international community fails to address their ideology head-on, opting instead for weak and misguided explanations that avoid confronting the true nature of the threat.

Israel, for one, knows the stakes all too well. As the target of relentless terrorist attacks for decades, the Israeli response has always been clear: no mercy for those who commit acts of terror. When these attacks are labeled as mere “confusion,” it undermines the legitimacy of efforts to defend against them. Israel’s resolve to fight back against terrorism is a model of strength and clarity, refusing to play into the dangerous narrative that terrorism is simply the product of an individual’s confusion.

So, where do we go from here? The answer is simple: we must reject the narrative of “confusion.” We must recognize terrorism for what it truly is—an intentional, ideologically motivated act of hatred. We must stand with Israel, with those who fight against terrorism every day, and we must ensure that we are not duped by political narratives that seek to downplay the severity of these attacks.

The time for confusion is over. We must be clear-eyed in our approach to these issues, steadfast in our support for those who fight terrorism, and unyielding in our condemnation of groups that promote hatred and violence. There is no place for mercy for terrorist organizations, and there is no place for confusion when it comes to the truth about these attacks.

Together, we can stand firm and demand accountability, ensuring that the victims of terrorism are not forgotten and that the perpetrators face the justice they deserve.