WATCH: Malki Roth’s family fought to bring her Sbarro killer to justice - but leaders failed to act

A video clip shows Malki Roth's family members expressing frustration over the lack of action taken by Israeli leaders following the 2001 Sbarro bombing, which claimed the lives of three American citizens, including Malki. The footage highlights the emotional toll of the tragedy and the perceived failure of political figures to address the case effectively. The Sbarro bombing occurred on June 25, 2001, during a busy afternoon in Jerusalem. A car bomb exploded near the Sbarro restaurant, killing Malki Roth, 15, and two other Americans, Daniel Pearl and David Hirst. The attack was carried out by a group of Palestinians, with Ahlam Tamimi identified as the mastermind. The incident sparked international outrage and intensified calls for accountability. Following the bombing, the families of the victims, including the Roths, sought justice through legal channels. They lobbied for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, particularly Tamimi. Despite public pressure and the involvement of prominent advocates, Israeli authorities did not take decisive steps to pursue Tamimi. Instead, he was eventually released under the terms of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange in 2011. The failure to hold Tamimi accountable drew criticism from both domestic and international observers. The Mandell family, whose son Koby was also killed in a separate terrorist attack in 2001, expressed similar frustrations. Their efforts led to the creation of the Koby Mandell Foundation, which supports grieving families and promotes awareness of terrorism-related crimes. The Mandells' advocacy contributed to the introduction of the Koby Mandell Act in Congress, aimed at strengthening U.S. efforts to combat terrorism. The Koby Mandell Act was initially proposed in 2001 and later incorporated into a broader spending bill in 2004. While the legislation established the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Overseas Terrorism (OVT), critics argue that the office has not successfully prosecuted any terrorist offenders. Sarah Stern, a key advocate for the act, noted that despite extensive resources and outreach, the OVT has yet to achieve meaningful results in bringing perpetrators to justice. The lack of progress in prosecuting Tamimi and others has left the families of the Sbarro victims feeling abandoned by both Israeli and American institutions. The absence of official recognition or follow-up from Israeli leadership has further deepened their sense of loss and injustice. Meanwhile, Tamimi has continued to live openly in Jordan, maintaining a public profile that contrasts sharply with the private grief of the victims' families. As the years have passed, the legacy of the Sbarro bombing continues to resonate among those affected. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing terrorism and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate such acts. The families remain hopeful that future actions will honor the memory of those lost and provide closure to their enduring pain.