SWC Commends Argentina's Designation of Hamas as a Terrorist Organization

July 15, 2024

Buenos Aires, July 13, 2024

Days before the 30th anniversary of the attack against the headquarters of the Jewish Mutual Aid Association (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, which left 85 dead and more than 300 injured, the Argentine Government has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Although the political decision was taken months ago, the necessary legal steps for this designation were officially completed this week.

Dr. Ariel Gelblung, the Simon Wiesenthal Center´s Director for Latin America, said: “The attack on the Jewish Mutual Aid Association 30 years ago and Hamas’ attacks of October 7th are the two most deadly anti-Semitic acts since the Second World War.  The common thread that ties both of these attacks together is ‘the hand of Iran.’  In the last 30 years, Iran has destabilized four countries in the Middle East: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, in addition to seeking the destruction of Israel. Iran continues to work through its proxies to threaten not only Israel but Jewish communities throughout the world. For this reason, the decision of the Argentine Government deserves to be commended.”

For further information, please email Ariel Gelblung, SWC’s Director of Latin America, at agelblung@wiesenthal.com, join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your Twitter feed.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS, and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO).