Thirty-two years after the terrorist attack on the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people, the victims will be commemorated in a memorial at the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council.
During his visit to Argentina, Binyamin Regional Council head and Yesha Council chairman Yisrael Ganz visited the AMIA Jewish community center, where he reached an agreement with the organization's president, attorney Osvaldo Armoza, to cooperate on establishing a memorial in Binyamin to honor the victims.
During the visit, Ganz went to the memorial, lit a memorial candle, and recited Psalms in their memory. He then met with the president of AMIA, and the two delivered a joint statement announcing an initiative to establish a memorial site in Binyamin that would reflect the connection between the Jewish community in Argentina and the settlements in Judea and Samaria.
1994 AMIA bombing
On July 18, 1994, a massive explosion rocked the AMIA building in the heart of Buenos Aires. The terrorist attack is believed to have been carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The building was completely destroyed, and a new building was built in its place.
The building was inaugurated in 1999 and continues to serve as a center of Jewish communal life in Argentina.
Two stones recovered from the remains of the building were preserved in the new structure.
The possibility of incorporating a commemorative element in Binyamin’s memorial that would connect it to the original building and the story of the attack is being explored.
The visit took place as part of Ganz's trip to South America, during which he also met with Argentine President Javier Milei. Alongside his diplomatic meetings, Ganz sought to deepen ties with the local Jewish community.
"I was moved to come here and meet a strong and vibrant Jewish community that rebuilt its home after one of the worst terrorist attacks the Jewish people have experienced. We came here to tell our brothers and sisters in Argentina: You are not alone. The Jewish people are one family, and even when thousands of kilometers separate us, we are connected by memory, destiny, and our shared future,” he said.
"We agreed together to establish a memorial site in Binyamin in memory of the 85 people murdered in the AMIA terrorist 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 remembrance, continuity, and unity.”
Ganz continued, “Thirty-two years ago, and today as well, Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel's enemies continue to try to harm Jews in Israel and around the world. But our response has not changed: We will not surrender to terrorism, and we will not allow our enemies to determine our future. We will continue to build, establish settlements, strengthen Jewish communities, and stand together against every threat.”
Victims will have a place in the heart of Binyamin, Ganz says
"The memory of those murdered will not remain only in Buenos Aires, but will also have a place in the heart of Binyamin. We are waiting for you in Israel, and we will continue to strengthen the ties between our communities. The Jewish people are always together."
Following the event, Armoza said it was “a pleasure” to host Ganz. “His determination and steadfast commitment to securing Israel's territory and security, alongside his dedication to the values of Judaism and the Torah that are passed down from generation to generation, give us confidence,” he said.
"From here, in Argentina, we express our support and will work determinedly to advance cooperation between us. I thank Israel for its efforts and look forward to our next meeting in Israel."