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Jewish Groups Commemorate Anniversary of Sbarro Bombing

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August 10, 2022
Israeli medics and volunteers treat the injured at the site of a Palestinian suicide bombing August 9, 2001 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Getty Images)

Various Jewish groups issued tweets and statements commemorating the 21st anniversary of the Palestinian terror attack at a pizzeria during the Second Intifada.

Author Aviva Klompas tweeted that the bombing occurred at the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem, killing 15 people––including two Americans––and injuring 130 others. The terrorist had packed “nails, nuts, and bolts [in the bomb] in order to maximize casualties,” Klompas wrote. She then noted that Ahlam Tamimi, a Jordanian national, was sentenced to multiple life sentences for being the mastermind behind the bombing, but Tamimi was released in 2011 as a part of a prisoner swap to free Gilad Shalit, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier who was kidnapped by Hamas for five years. “Ahlam was deported to Jordan on her release and received a hero’s welcome,” Klompas added. “Unrepentant of her crimes, she became a popular television broadcaster and public speaker, boasting of her role in the Sbarro attack.” Jordan has continually rebuffed the United States’ efforts to extradite Tamimi.

Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action Rabbi Abraham Cooper said in a statement: “[Twenty] years ago, 15 innocents were murdered, 130 maimed, by Palestinian terrorists in heart of Jerusalem at Sbarro Pizzeria during lunch time. SWC urges US demand extradition of Ahlam Tamimi, from Jordan for her role in the mass murder which included US citizen Malki Roth. Never forget never forgive. Please President Biden and Secretary Blinken, please bring justice to the Roth family.”

Both StandWithUs Israel Executive Director Michael Dickson and Creative Community for Peace Executive Director Ari Ingel that the Palestinian Authority has funneled more than $1 million to the terrorists behind the bombing and their families.

The American Jewish Committee tweeted: “On August 9, 2001, a Palestinian suicide bomber attacked the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem, killing 15 people, including seven children. Today, we remember these precious souls and the thousands of other victims of terrorist attacks. May their memories be a blessing.”

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