In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Diana Malamud reflected on the ongoing struggles in seeking justice for the 1994 attack on the country’s largest Jewish community center. The bombing at the AMIA center resulted in the deaths of 85 people, including Malamud’s husband, Andrés, and left 300 others injured. Despite being one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks post-World War II, no one has been convicted for their involvement.
On the 30th anniversary of the attack, Argentina’s libertarian President, Javier Milei, became the country’s 11th leader to promise renewed efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable. His strong anti-Iran stance, pro-Israel foreign policy, and radical state reforms have raised hopes for progress in the long-stalled investigation. However, skepticism remains due to three decades of corruption and intrigue hindering the case.
Despite the government’s annual announcements and commemorations, victims’ families like Malamud, a member of Active Memory, express frustration over the lack of tangible outcomes. The memorial service at AMIA included a moment of silence at 9:53 a.m., the exact time of the attack, with poignant speeches and solemn tributes.
President Milei has been vocal in denouncing Iran as the orchestrator of the attack, supporting claims that Iran directed the bombing through Hezbollah, although Iran denies these allegations. Milei’s administration has shown unwavering support for Israel, a stark contrast to past diplomatic approaches, garnering praise from Jewish advocacy groups for his alignment with shared values.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights recently held Argentina accountable for failing to prevent the attack and obstructing justice, ordering ongoing investigations. While Active Memory members acknowledge this development, they emphasize the need for tangible actions beyond symbolic gestures.
Despite the complexities and divisions within Argentina’s Jewish community regarding the pursuit of justice, individuals like Malamud continue to advocate for closure. As the quest for accountability continues, the hope is to move past rhetoric and towards concrete measures to finally bring those responsible to justice.
