United Against Terror

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, in the heart of Buenos Aires, we stand together in solemn remembrance, honoring the memory of the lives lost to the cowardly acts of terrorism that have scarred our nations. With deep reverence, we gather in this plaza, a place that bears witness to the shared history and pain endured by both Argentina and Israel. I am profoundly grateful for your presence here today as we commemorate the tragic events that have touched our souls and tested our resilience.

As I look out upon this assembly, I am reminded of the profound significance of this moment. For me, as an Argentine, and for our Israeli friends, this plaza symbolizes not only a physical space but also a sanctuary of memory and solidarity. It is a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the voices of the present, reminding us of our shared humanity and our unwavering commitment to justice and peace.

We wear upon our chests a pin that bears the emblems of both Argentina and Israel, a tangible symbol of the enduring bond that unites our two nations. This bond transcends borders and differences, for it is forged in the crucible of shared suffering and shared aspirations. It is a bond that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Today, we gather to remember the victims of terrorism—innocent souls whose lives were cut short by senseless violence. We remember the attack on the Israeli embassy in 1992, a day seared into the collective memory of our nations. We remember the bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in 1994, a heinous act of hatred that claimed the lives of so many innocent people. And we remember the more recent attack in Israel in 2023, a stark reminder that the threat of terrorism remains ever-present.

We remember, too, the stories of resilience and courage that emerged from the darkness of those days. We remember young Kfir and his family, who endured the unimaginable horror of being taken hostage. We remember the countless others whose lives were forever altered by acts of terror. Their stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of despair.

In the words of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Today, we take a stand against terrorism and injustice. Today, we honor the memory of those who have fallen, and we pledge to never forget their sacrifice.

We remember David Ben Rafael, a diplomat whose life was tragically cut short in the 1992 attack. We remember David Cu, who remains captive in Gaza, a prisoner of conscience whose only crime was to dare to dream of a better world. Their names, and the names of all those who have been lost to terrorism, echo in our hearts today and every day.

But remembrance alone is not enough. We must also take action. We must stand together as a global community and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms. We must reaffirm our commitment to the values of peace, justice, and human dignity. And we must work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.

To our friends and allies around the world, I say this: stand with us in solidarity. Stand on the right side of history, and join us in our fight against extremism and violence. Together, we can build a future where terrorism has no place, and where the memory of those we have lost is honored with justice and peace.

As we close this ceremony, let us remember the significance of the dates associated with past attacks. Let us remember the lives that were lost, the families that were shattered, and the communities that were forever changed. And let us renew our collective resolve to never waver in the face of adversity.

May we find strength in our unity, courage in our convictions, and hope in our shared humanity. And may we honor the memory of the victims of terrorism by building a world where peace reigns supreme.

Thank you.