Benjamin Region to Erect Memorial for 1994 Buenos Aires Jewish Center Bombing Victims

Thirty-two years after the deadly bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which claimed 85 lives, a memorial will be established in the Benjamin region of Israel. Yisrael Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, met with AMIA President Osvaldo Nemirovsci in Buenos Aires to finalize plans for the memorial. Gantz visited the existing memorial for the bombing victims, lit a memorial candle, and recited prayers.

The joint initiative aims to create a memorial site in Benjamin that will symbolize the connection between Argentina's Jewish community and the Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria. The 1994 bombing, attributed to Hezbollah with Iranian involvement, destroyed the original AMIA building, killing 85 people and injuring hundreds. A new building was inaugurated in 1999, which still serves as the center for Jewish community life in Argentina. Two stones from the original destroyed building have been preserved in the new structure.

Initial plans for the Benjamin memorial are considering incorporating an element that connects it to the original AMIA building and the bombing's history. Gantz's visit to Argentina was part of a larger trip to South America, during which he also met with Argentine President Javier Milei. Gantz emphasized his desire to deepen ties with the local Jewish community during his visit.

In a joint statement, Gantz stated, "We agreed together to establish a memorial site in Benjamin in memory of the 85 victims of the AMIA attack. Precisely here, in the place where the terrorists tried to strike at the heart of the Jewish community, we seek to convey a message of memory, continuity, and unity." He added that Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel's enemies continue to target Jews globally, but the response remains steadfast: "We will not surrender to terror and will not allow our enemies to determine our future. We will continue to build, settle, strengthen Jewish communities, and stand together against any threat."

Nemirovsci expressed his pleasure in hosting Gantz, stating, "From here, from Argentina, we express our support and will act with determination to promote cooperation between us." He thanked Gantz for his efforts and looks forward to their next meeting in Israel.