Buenos Aires Jewish community marks embassy bombing

Published on March 19, 2013

The Jewish community of Buenos Aires commemorated the 21st anniversary of a deadly attack on the city's Israeli embassy.

World Jewish Congress head praises Pope Francis

Published on March 13, 2013

World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder congratulated Cardinal Jorge María Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, on his election as Pope Francis I on Wednesday.

Jewish leaders, groups welcome Pope Francis

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on March 13, 2013

Jewish leaders around the world welcomed Wednesday’s selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Bergoglio, 76, who took the name Francis upon his selection, has been the archbishop of Buenos Aires since 1998 and is the first from the Americas to lead the Catholic Church.

Argentinian Pope Bergoglio a moderate focused on the poor

Published on March 13, 2013

The first Latin American pope, Argentina's Jorge Bergoglio is a moderate known for his strong negotiating skills as well as a readiness to challenge powerful interests.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina elected pope

Published on March 13, 2013

Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope on Wednesday to lead the Roman Catholic Church, a prelate announced to huge crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square.

U.S. senators Kirk and Gillibrand decry Argentina-Iran commission

Published on March 13, 2013

Two U.S. senators asked the president of Argentina to end her country’s agreement with Iran to establish a “truth commission” on the 1994 bombing of the Buenos Aires Jewish community center.

Making Passover a ‘seder to savor’

Published on March 12, 2013

When I was growing up in Toledo in the late fifties and early sixties, every year at Passover we would go to my cousin’s house for the seder. Besides the food, I was thrilled because it meant I was never the youngest and never had to do the four questions.

Israel launches ad campaign in Argentina to mark 1992 embassy bombing

Published on March 7, 2013

The Israeli Embassy in Argentina is launching an ad campaign to mark the 21st anniversary of the 1992 bombing that killed 29.

Argentina’s Congress approves joint investigation with Iran

Published on February 28, 2013

Argentina's Congress approved an agreement with Iran to jointly investigate the 1994 bombing of the Buenos Aires AMIA Jewish Community Center.

Timerman defends himself, his Judaism over agreement with Iran

Published on February 18, 2013

Argentina's foreign minister, Hector Timerman, defended himself against accusations that he betrayed his Judaism by signing an agreement with Iran.

Hundreds rally in protest of Iran-Argentina pact

Published on February 15, 2013

Some 300 people attended a protest rally against Argentine-Iranian cooperation in investigating the deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center.

Argentina’s Timerman slams Israel criticism of Iran pact

Published on February 13, 2013

Argentinian Foreign Minister Hector Timerman hit back at Israeli criticism of a joint commission with Iran on the AMIA bombing on his first day of testimony to his country's Congress.

Iran rejects questioning of defense minister under Argentina agreement

Published on February 12, 2013

Iran denied that its defense minister will be questioned by an Argentinian judge about his alleged role in the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish center.

Israel summons Argentina’s envoy over deal with Iran

Published on January 29, 2013

Israel's Foreign Ministry summoned the Argentinian ambassador over his country's agreement with Iran to jointly investigate the 1994 bombing of the Buenos Aires JCC.

Surviving terror in two generations

Published on January 23, 2013

Auschwitz survivor Liza Zajac Novera — who goes by Lea — was on an anniversary cruise with her husband to Iguazu Falls in September 1977, when she got the call. Her sister-in-law told her that armed men had come to their apartment in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and had taken away her two sons, law students.

AMIA bombing relatives updated on Iran negotiations

Published on December 26, 2012

Argentinean Foreign Minister Hector Timerman met with the relatives of victims of the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing to update them on negotiations with Iran.

Buenos Aires Jewish radio station marks anniversary

Published on December 5, 2012

A Buenos Aires radio station that launched its 24-hour broadcasts in the wake of the Israeli embassy bombing there will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a street party and klezmer marathon.

Argentina won’t give information on Iran talks to AMIA survivors

Published on November 14, 2012

Argentina's Foreign Ministry rejected a request from the Jewish community and survivors of the AMIA Jewish center bombing for information about current negotiations with Iran over the case.

Negotiations with Iran over Jewish center bombing ‘positive,’ says Argentina’s foreign minister

Published on November 1, 2012

Three days of negotiations between Argentina and Iran over the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish center have been "very positive," Argentina's foreign minister announced.

Iran, Argentina to meet over Jewish center bombing

Published on October 29, 2012

Iran and Argentina were set to open bilateral negotiations to discuss the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center.

Ad campaign on survivors of Israeli Embassy bombing takes top prize

Published on October 24, 2012

An ad campaign by the Israeli Embassy in Argentina about survivors of the 1992 bombing attack there won the Eikon Prize for Excellence in Institutional Communications.

Meeting of Argentina and Iran ministers rankles Israel, U.S.

Published on October 1, 2012

Israel expressed “disappointment” over Argentina's decision to accept an Iranian invitation to bilateral talks.

Argentinian Jewish leaders urge foreign minister to not meet Iranian counterpart

Published on September 21, 2012

Argentinian Jewish leaders are strongly urging their country to reject Iran’s request for a meeting of their respective foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly next week.

Man who identified Eichmann in Argentina is honored posthumously

Published on August 14, 2012

Lothar Hermann, a German Jew who advised Israel that Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was residing in Argentina, was honored.

New campaign ‘feeds the memory’ of Buenos Aires bombing

Published on July 10, 2012

A new campaign to remember the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Buenos Aires Jewish center calls on Argentinians to "feed the memory."

Argentinian Jewish village proposed as UNESCO site

Published on July 3, 2012

The Simon Wiesenthal Center submitted the Argentinean Jewish settlement of Moises Ville for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Argentina to have Jewish president for a day

Published on May 16, 2012

For the first time, Argentina will have a Jewish president -- at least temporarily.

Ex-Argentinians in Israel helping to rebuild tornado-ravaged JCC

Published on April 9, 2012

Some Argentinians who moved to Israel have launched a campaign to rebuild a Buenos Aires province Jewish center destroyed in a tornado.

Become an Inspiration Addict

Published on April 5, 2012

The Shoes We Wear: A Statement of Identity and Values

Published on April 3, 2012

AMIA and Minority Insecurity: How Do We Attack Corruption?

Published on March 29, 2012

Argentine Jewish leader criticizes anti-Semitic cartoon

Published on January 20, 2012

The head of Argentina's Jewish community criticized as anti-Semitic a cartoon that appeared in a national newspaper.

Demand Iranian suspects’ extradition to Argentina, Wiesenthal Center says

Published on January 10, 2012

The Simon Wiesenthal Center urged the presidents of Cuba, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela to demand the extradition to Argentina of the Iranians implicated in the 1994 terrorist attack on a Jewish center in Buenos Aires.

Iranian plot included Israeli embassy in Argentina

Published on October 14, 2011

An Iranian plot to kill the Saudi ambassador to the United States, thwarted earlier this week, also involved an attack the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Buenos Aires.

Argentinian priest repudiated for alleged anti-Semitic slur

Published on October 12, 2011

An Argentinian priest is being repudiated for allegedly making an anti-Semitic slur during a sermon.

Reports show Argentina with an anti-Semitism problem

Published on October 6, 2011

Two reports that reveal the extent of anti-Semitism in Argentina were released by DAIA, the Jewish umbrella organization.

Argentina lawmakers: Failure to walk out on Ahmadinejad spurs suspicions

Published on October 4, 2011

Argentina reinforced the suspicion of a secret deal with Iran on two terrorist bombings when its U.N. mission failed to walk out on Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's General Assembly address, five Argentinian lawmakers said.

Survey: Argentinians hold anti-Semitic beliefs

Published on September 28, 2011

A majority of Argentinians hold anti-Semitic beliefs, according to a new study.

At a rebuilt AMIA Jewish center, Argentinians remember 9/11 victims

Published on September 13, 2011

A 9/11 memorial ceremony at the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires called for common cause in halting terrorist attacks.

Jewish leaders condemn, Argentine officials welcome Iranian offer

Published on July 19, 2011

Jewish leaders are doubting the sincerity of an Iranian offer to help solve the Buenos Aires Jewish center bombing, while the Argentine government has welcomed the proposal.

Argentina to compensate victims of Israeli Embassy bombing

Published on June 30, 2011

Relatives of victims of the 1992 attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires will receive compensation from Argentina. The Argentina Parliament on Wednesday unanimously approved a special law of economic compensation for the families of the victims of the bombing, which killed 29 and injured 242 on March 17, 1992.

Ex-Argentine president joins campaign to expose junta’s anti-Semitic past

Published on June 16, 2011

More than 30 years after he was kidnapped and tortured by secret police in Buenos Aires, Argentine banker Eduardo Saiegh has an unlikely partner in his fight to convict former government leaders on charges of anti-Semitic discrimination and state terrorism: the government itself.

Argentinian Cabinet head expresses Israel support

Published on May 4, 2011

The head of the Argentina cabinet expressed support for Israel during a Holocaust Memorial Day program.

Argentina’s Timerman quashes report on deal with Iran

Published on April 21, 2011

Argentina's foreign minister denied a report that his country had a deal with Iran to quash the investigation into the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center. Hector Timerman during a radio interview while in Ukraine said Thursday that "Argentina is the only country that presented cases to international organizations such as Interpol against Iran."

Argentina Jewish center’s vote provides no clear winner

Published on April 11, 2011

No clear winner emerged in elections to lead the central Jewish institution in Buenos Aires. Some 10,757 voters, more than doubling the number from 2008, participated in Sunday's elections to lead the AMIA Jewish center in the Argentinian capital.

Al-Qaida cells active in Brazil, magazine says

Published on April 4, 2011

The terrorist organization al-Qaida is active in Brazil, including planning attacks and recruiting followers, a Brazilian magazine reported. The revelation published over the weekend in Veja is causing serious concern in Brazil and Argentina.

Argentinian foreign minister’s Israel visit on schedule

Published on April 4, 2011

Argentinian Foreign Minister Hector Timerman will visit Israel accompanied by businessmen and relatives of victims of the bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish center. Timerman will arrive in Israel Monday for a two-day visit that is scheduled to include meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. He is also expected to meet with Tzipi Livni, Israel's ex-foreign minister and now its opposition leader, as well as other Israeli political leaders.

Argentina offers assurances on terror probes

Published on March 31, 2011

Argentina Foreign Minister Hector Timerman said he is committed to continuing the investigation of two bombings of Jewish targets in his country. Timerman made the commitment Wednesday during a meeting in Buenos Aires with Natan Sharansky, the head of the Jewish Agency, according to reports.

Report of Argentina-Iran deal to quash AMIA investigation roils community

Published on March 29, 2011

Consternation is mounting in Argentina and Israel after the leaking of a document purportedly showing that Argentina’s foreign minister secretly offered Iran a deal to quash the investigation into the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in exchange for better trade relations. The Argentinean newspaper Perfil broke the story with a report based on what it said was an Iranian document showing that the foreign minister, Hector Timerman, made the offer to Iran via Syrian intermediaries. According to the paper, opponents of the regime in Tehran leaked the documents.

Israel may cancel Argentinian official’s visit over Iran deal

Published on March 28, 2011

Israel may cancel a visit by Argentina's foreign minister after a report that the South American country told Iran it would stop investigating two bombings of Jewish targets in exchange for better trade relations. Argentinian Foreign Minister Hector Timerman is scheduled to visit Israel next week. Israeli Foreign Ministry officials are waiting for a response from their Argentinian counterparts on the veracity of a report in a weekly Argentinian newspaper before deciding how to handle the visit, according to Israeli news reports.

Passover Argentina style

By Judy Zeidler
Published on March 16, 2011

In Argentina, although Passover comes in the fall, the celebration is much like that observed by Jews in the United States, and the food is similar to Eastern European dishes, but with a South American flair. Argentina has a Jewish population of more than 250,000, making it the largest in Latin America. Their ancestors immigrated from Poland, Russia, Syria, Turkey and North Africa in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most of the immigrants spoke Yiddish, formed settlements such as Moisés Ville and Villa Clara, and became gauchos (cowboys).

Argentina joins Brazil in recognizing Palestinian state

Published on December 7, 2010

Argentina has recognized a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, according to a note sent from President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to Mahmoud Abbas.

Graves defaced in Argentina include terror victims

Published on September 14, 2009

Graves belonging to AMIA Jewish Center attack victims were among those vandalized in an Argentine Jewish cemetery.

Jewish gravestones vandalized at Argentina cemetery

Published on September 14, 2009

Some 58 gravestones were vandalized at a Jewish cemetery in Argentina's Buenos Aires province on Friday and Saturday, local news Web site Momento 24 reported.

Bombing Suspect Ahmad Vahidi overwhelmingly chosen to be Iran’s defense minister [VIDEO]

Published on September 4, 2009

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad chose Ahmad Vahidi, wanted by Argentina over the deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre, as his new defence minister.

On eve of sanctions push, Iran taps terror suspect for key post

Published on August 25, 2009

By nominating a suspect in the bombing of an Argentine Jewish center to be his defense minister, the president of Iran has given a boost to the campaign for tougher sanctions against his country.

At least that’s the hope of Jewish groups leading the charge to stop Tehran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Q&A with Argentine Ambassador Hector Timerman

Published on October 23, 2008

" . . .In Argentina, we don't think that one country has to base its relationship with another country on a relationship which that country has with a third nation . . ."

Video de Pesaj from Argentina—‘Don’t worry, be matzoh!’

Published on May 15, 2008

Briefs: Cancer helps Olmert poll numbers, Mrs. El Presidente in Argentina—still good for the Jews

Published on November 1, 2007

Briefs.

Music: A Yiddish celebration with Buenos Aires style

By Roberto Loiederman
Published on October 18, 2007

In the 1950s, a few years after Yiddish culture in Europe had been decimated, there was a bustling metropolis in the Western Hemisphere that still had a thriving Yiddish culture. This city had a number of schools in which classes were taught in Yiddish; there was an active theatrical scene, a couple of daily newspapers, books, literary magazines, songs and musicals -- all in Yiddish. There were Yiddish comedians, as well as cafes where Yiddish-speakers gathered to chat and drink tea with a bissel (little) lemon. And there were vacation resorts, a few hours' drive from the city, where Yiddish was regularly heard. New York? Montreal? Actually, Buenos Aires.