NEW YORK -- The recent acquittal of 22 individuals by an Argentine Federal Court in the bombing of a Jewish Center in Buenos Aires dismayed many in Argentina's Jewish community. The decision was received as evidence of the government's lack of interest in solving Argentina's worst act of terrorism. Paradoxically, although the decision does nothing to help solve the crime, it may prove to be a first step in establishing true justice in Argentina.
In July 1994, a powerful bomb destroyed a seven-story building in Buenos Aires housing the Argentine Israelite Mutual Aid Association (AMIA) and the Delegation of Argentine Jewish Associations. The blast killed 85 people and wounded more than 300. The bombing was strikingly similar to one two years ago that destroyed the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, killing 29 people.
A series of findings and interviews with several informers led Israeli and American intelligence agencies to conclude that both bombings had been carried out by terrorists linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, probably acting under instructions from Tehran. Newly disclosed documents suggest that members of Argentina's own government and police force knew of the bombing plan for the Israeli Embassy. Reportedly, the Iranian government paid former Argentine President Carlos Menem $10 million to downplay Iran's responsibility in the attack.