Argentina: 30 years after the attack on the AMIA, Pope Francis asks for prayer, reflection and memory

Pope Francis was present through a letter on the 30th anniversary of the attack on the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA), which occurred on the morning of July 18, 1994 in the city of Buenos Aires, and whose 85 victims still remain. the demand for justice is valid.

As every year, the commemorative event was held at 9:53 a.m. (local time), remembering the exact moment when, 30 years ago, a car bomb exploded in front of the building, almost completely destroying it and causing severe damage to the building. the surrounding area.

Today, the façade of the AMIA is a memorial that remembers those who died as a result of the largest attack in the history of the country, which today remains unpunished.

In its carta, the Holy Father highlighted the “spirit of remembrance and reflection” that occupies this date. “The memory of those who died in that dark tragedy lives on in our prayers and our continued commitment to justice,” he said.

“Memory can be our guide. It teaches us that remembering is not only looking back, but also projecting hope towards a future where such reprehensible acts of violence are not repeated. Memory drives us to keep in mind the 85 brothers of that July 18, 1994,” she said.

Likewise, the Pontiff encouraged not to give up in the fight for “a justice that does not seek revenge, revanchism, but truth and reparation. “A justice that is essential not only for the affected families, but for the cohesion of the social fabric of the nation.”

“Respect for all human life and the dignity that comes with it must prevail over hatred and division. This is the foundation on which we build the common good, not only to honor those we have lost, but to protect future generations,” he considered.

For this reason, he called on people of faith and good will to unite “in prayer and action,” and to “work tirelessly for a more fraternal world, where justice and peace embrace each other, since without justice there will be no lasting peace.” nor effective.”

Finally, he prayed that “the God of peace blesses us with the hope and boldness to carry out this mission. May divine consolation reach all families who still mourn their loved ones and grant strength to all survivors who carry wounds in their bodies and souls.”

The president of Argentina, Javier Milei, also spoke on the issue in his speech on July 17 at the international conference on security and antiterrorism, organized by the World Jewish Congress and the Latin American Jewish Congress.

“Tomorrow will mark 30 years since the cowardly attack on the AMIA, through which Iranian terrorism claimed the lives of 85 Argentines. It was no coincidence when they did it. Three decades of impunity, of smoke screens and rude maneuvers by dark characters to cover up atrocities in our history will be completed,” he stated.

The general secretary of the Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA) and Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of La Plata, Mons. Alberto Bochatey, participated in the commemorative event on July 18; and the director of the CEA Communication Office, Fr. Máximo Jurcinovic.