The Panamanian Jewish Congress and the Argentine Embassy in Panama commemorated the 30th anniversary of the terrorist attack perpetrated against the headquarters of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) on July 18, 1994, killing 85 people, injuring 300 more, and completely destroying the building.
The solemn ceremony was attended by government authorities, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, religious leaders and members of the Panamanian Jewish community who observed a minute of silence for the victims of terrorism.
“The free world, the West, the democracies, the prosperous and forward-looking countries, or whatever we want to call it, have been facing for decades a declared enemy, Islamic fundamentalism, the Shiite version, which emanates from the Iranian regime. It is our enemy because they have defined it that way, not us. They are very clear and transparent in their objectives. It is a primitive enemy in terms of goals, but sophisticated in terms of strategies,” said Alan Perelis, president of the Panamanian Jewish Congress, who praised the commitment of Argentine President Javier Milei to do justice to the victims and recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization.
“This event aims to be an exercise in fundamental memory that allows us to extend, beyond the borders of our country, the demand for justice that has not yet arrived. It is also our intention that this meeting unites us in the fight against international terrorism and also against all forms of discrimination and in particular anti-Semitism,” explained Sandra Pitta, Ambassador of Argentina in Panama.
“The terrorist attack committed against the AMIA headquarters is an open wound for the entire society
Argentina and it should also be for the international community,” he said.
The event, held at the Kol Shearith Israel Congregation, also remembered the 21 victims of the terrorist attack on Alas Chiricanas flight 901, which occurred in Colón, one day after the attack on the AMIA.
The Minister of Security, Frank Abrego; the Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Guevara Mann and the Mayor of the Capital District, Mayer Mizrachi participated in the commemoration.
