July 20, 2018
By Hannah Marshall
League for Human Rights Associate
B’nai Brith Canada
WINNIPEG – On Wednesday, B’nai Brith Canada, along with the Argentinean Manitoban Association and Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, paid homage to the victims of the 1994 terrorist bombing of the AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina) Jewish Community Centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A candle-lighting ceremony, accompanied by speeches and presentations, made for a truly emotional and memorable event.
It has been 24 years since 85 innocent lives were taken abruptly and unjustly in the AMIA attack, which took place only two years after the 1992 attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 and left 242 wounded. The Jewish community continues to remember these victims and pay them the respect they deserve, while continuing to push for justice for these horrific crimes.
The Argentinian, Israeli, and Canadian anthems were all sung beautifully as the three flags hung proudly beside each speaker. This reminded the audience that the effects of the AMIA tragedy were not limited to the Argentinian people, but impacted the worldwide Jewish community as well.
The Honorable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, as well as several MLAs and other officials, paid their respects at the event. Minister Carr presented a compelling and emotional speech about his previous visits to Argentina, and its people’s profound perseverance.
Official investigations into the attack by the Argentinian government have been impeded by delay and corruption.
While Iran has long been thought to be responsible for the attack, it has not been held accountable, prompting B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn to pen an op-ed in the National Post urging Canada not to re-establish ties with Tehran.
#OTD Twenty-four years ago, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle full of explosives into the Jewish community centre of Buenos Aires, killing 85 ppl. Though #Iran is long believed to be responsible for the attack, it has never been held accountable. #AMIA /1https://t.co/pAVzaefh4Y
— Michael Mostyn (@MichaelMostyn) July 18, 2018
After 24 years, there is still no justice for the victims of the AMIA attack.
