Exactly 32 years ago, on an afternoon tinged with almost autumnal colors, international terrorism broke out in Argentina both abruptly and heartbreakingly. On March 17, 1992, the peace and tranquility of Buenos Aires were brutally interrupted, leaving an indelible mark in the heart of the nation and the collective memory of its people. A deep mark, and an open wound that, even today, decades later, continues to bleed while awaiting justice.
The attack on the Israeli Embassy in Argentina, followed two years later by the devastating attack on the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), became clear examples of how terrorism, that plague that knows no borders or limits, can strike anywhere, attacking against the very essence of our humanity and challenging our most fundamental values. These attacks not only showed the vulnerability of nations to unprecedented acts of terror but also confronted us with the sad reality that no one, regardless of geographic location or social status, is safe from this global threat.
On this new anniversary, our collective memory is activated not only to honor the 29 victims and their families who suffered the irreparable loss of their loved ones but also to reflect deeply on the persistent and changing nature of terrorism. This year, the commemoration takes on an even more significant dimension in light of the recent attacks by Hamas against Israel last October, which painfully remind us that the scourge of terrorism remains a current and latent threat. The possible intervention of Hezbollah, the material author of both attacks on Argentine soil, in the current conflict, makes us relive the ghosts of a painful past and forces us to face the consequences of these tragedies.
Today, just over five months after October 7, while 130 people are still kidnapped in the Gaza Strip, hate wants to win the game. Antisemitism floods forums and social networks, and in many parts of the world, it echoes even in universities. But we are not going to allow it because we know hate, in its most terrible face, in its maximum expression: That is terrorism.
The memory of these heinous acts must transcend the simple memory of pain and loss. It must be a catalyst for action, urging us to work tirelessly and together to prevent further attacks. It is imperative to strengthen our security efforts, foster dialogue and understanding between nations, and combat the extremist ideologies that fuel these acts of barbarism.
Likewise, it is crucial to recognize that the fight against terrorism is not a task that falls solely on the shoulders of a country or a community; It is a global challenge that demands a global response. International cooperation, the effective exchange of intelligence information, and an unwavering commitment to defending democratic values and human rights are cornerstones of this joint effort. Only through unity and international solidarity can we hope to dismantle the web of hatred and intolerance that fuels terrorism.
This anniversary invites us to reflect on our role in building a safer and more peaceful future. It reminds us of the importance of promoting messages of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, in the face of ideologies of hate that seek to divide us. We must carry forward the memory of those we have lost as a beacon of inspiration to build a better world.
May this anniversary compel us to renew our commitment to peace and justice, reminding us that our collective light of hope, solidarity, and resilience can, and must shine brighter in the dark face of terror. In memory of the victims, in honor of their legacy, let us move forward, united in our desire for a future where peace and security prevail for all.
This article was originally published in Spanish in Infobae.
