The bombings of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the AMIA headquarters two years later may seem like a long time ago, and some people might be inclined to argue that nearly two decades later it’s now time to move on. But that would be a big mistake.
Hundreds of innocent people, from different religious backgrounds and nationalities, were killed or badly injured.
The masterminds of these two terrorist attacks are still at large. According to what Prosecutor Alberto Nisman has established, the people who ordered and planned these attacks sit in Tehran and in Beirut. One of them has even become a defense minister.
In 2007, Interpol issued Red Notices, but so far it has not been possible to bring the perpetrators of these two heinous crimes to justice. If we give up now the terrorists will feel vindicated and eventually strike again.
That is one reason why we must not relent in our fight for justice. But there is another.
Every year in July, thousands gather outside the rebuilt AMIA headquarters to commemorate the anniversary of this tragedy. It shows the close bond of the entire Argentine Jewish community – and the wider society – with the victims of the attack and their families. This act of remembrance is not only very moving and dignified. It also sends a clear message: We shall not forget! We shall not rest until justice has been done!
The same is true for world Jewry. The World Jewish Congress will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Argentinean Jews. We will continue to raise the issue of the AMIA bombing with governments and international organizations across the Globe. We will continue to fight attempts by the Iranian regime or by Hezbollah to infiltrate and destabilize countries in South America.
Recent events, and statements by Islamists and other fanatics, have shown time and again: terrorists still regard Jews and Jewish sites as legitimate targets – not just in Israel, but anywhere in the world.
Israel may have become the focus of their evil activities, but their hatred is in reality directed against all Jews – wherever they live.
It is therefore important that we remember what happened in Buenos Aires in 1992 and 1994 and that we stand united and that we continue our quest for justice.
There cannot be any justification for terrorism.
There must not be impunity for murder.
Ronald S. Lauder
President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC)
To read more articles on the 17º AMIA attack’s anniversary please click here.