Argentina commemorated the 30th anniversary of the tragic 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, which claimed 85 lives and left 300 wounded. The attack, one of the deadliest antisemitic acts since World War II, remains unsolved, with no perpetrators brought to justice.
President Javier Milei, the 11th leader to promise renewed efforts to solve the case, signed legislation to declare July 18 a national holiday. His anti-Iran stance and pro-Israel foreign policy have sparked hope for progress in the investigation.
Despite decades of corruption and intrigue in the investigation, victims' families, like Diana Malamud, continue to push for accountability. The community center held a memorial service, with a poignant moment of silence at 9:53 a.m., the exact time of the bombing.
Milei's vocal support for Israel and his commitment to fighting terrorism have garnered international attention and praise. His recent actions, such as designating Hamas as a terrorist organization and promising legislation to allow trials in absentia, signal a shift in Argentina's approach to the case.
While the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held Argentina responsible for failing to prevent the attack and obstructing justice, doubts remain about the government's ability to bring closure. Victims' families emphasize the need for concrete actions over symbolic gestures.
The divisions within Argentina's Jewish community were evident as different ceremonies were held to remember the victims. Despite the challenges and disappointments, the quest for justice continues, with hope that tangible progress will be made in the near future.