The AMIA claim broke borders: 50 mayors sealed a federal pact against impunity

Thirty-two years after the terrorist attack on the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), more than fifty mayors from fourteen provinces gathered at the institution’s headquarters to renew their demand for justice and sign a joint declaration. The meeting took place in the shadow of the anniversary of the July 18, 1994 bombing, which claimed the lives of eighty-five people and injured hundreds more. The mayors came together to emphasize that the pursuit of truth and accountability for this tragedy is not solely the concern of the Jewish community but a national issue affecting all Argentinians. Their presence underscored the growing consensus that the unresolved case has left a lasting wound on Argentine society.

The gathering was organized under the name Encuentro Federal por la Memoria, bringing representatives from provinces such as Buenos Aires, Chaco, Chubut, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, Mendoza, Misiones, Salta, San Juan, Santa Fe, and Tucumán. This wide representation highlighted the effort to extend the call for memory and justice beyond the capital city and into every corner of the country. Among the attendees were Jorge Macri, the head of government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and Mario Lugones, the Minister of Health, who represented the national government in place of Diego Santilli, the newly appointed chief of cabinet.

During the event, the mayors signed a collective statement reaffirming their commitment to preserving the memory of the victims and promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic coexistence, human rights, and education rooted in values. The document also called for concrete measures to prevent and combat antisemitism, xenophobia, and other forms of discrimination. It emphasized that an independent and efficient judiciary is essential to building a fairer society. According to Mario Lugones, the lack of resolution surrounding the AMIA case affects not only the victims and their families but the entire nation, and it is time to settle this debt.

Osvaldo Armoza, president of the AMIA, stressed that the attack was not merely against the Jewish community but against the very fabric of Argentine society. He praised the federal nature of the meeting, noting how the participation of mayors from diverse regions helped ensure that the significance of the attack transcended the boundaries of the Jewish community and became a shared responsibility of the broader public. Armoza urged the mayors to serve as ambassadors of memory, spreading awareness about the need to end decades of impunity.

Daniel Passerini, mayor of Córdoba, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the attack was not confined to one group but affected the entire Republic. His remarks reflected a broader understanding among participants that the legacy of the AMIA bombing must be addressed collectively. The event included a moment of silence and the lighting of 85 candles—one for each life lost—symbolizing the enduring grief and the hope for justice.

The organizers of the event, including the Vaad Hakehilot, the section of the AMIA responsible for strengthening Jewish communities throughout the country, played a crucial role in coordinating the participation of provincial leaders. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the memory of the attack remains alive and that the fight for justice continues to be a priority for all levels of government.

In addition to the symbolic gestures, practical steps were outlined in the declaration, including the promotion of educational programs focused on human rights and the prevention of hate speech. These efforts aim to address the root causes of intolerance and ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again. The mayors pledged to implement these measures within their respective jurisdictions, reinforcing the idea that the quest for justice is both a moral imperative and a civic duty.

As the event concluded, the mayors received a symbolic gift—a print created by artist Martín Ron, depicting a scaled replica of "The Wall of Memory." This artwork serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for truth and justice, while also symbolizing the unity of those committed to upholding the values of democracy and respect for human dignity.