BUENOS AIRES — For the first time since the 1994 bombing of Argentine Jewry’s main community center, Jews distraught over the futile investigation say they have some reason to hope.
“There is a small flame of hope surprising us,” Sergio Burstein, a relative of one of the 85 people killed in the July 18, 1994 bombing of the AMIA building, said during last week’s annual commemoration. “We haven’t had this feeling in nine years.”
The country’s new president, Nestor Kirchner, attended the large outdoor gathering.
In an impromptu news conference after the ceremony, Kirchner pledged that he would not rest until the issue was resolved.
In office less than two months, Kirchner already has decided to release secret evidence from Argentina’s intelligence services related to the bombing.
On Monday, Kirchner gave Argentine Jewish leaders some more hope. He told them in a meeting that the federal police’s secret archives pertaining to the attack would be opened. In addition, the authorities of the Buenos Aires province have also agreed to open their archives.
Argentine authorities have said they believe Hezbollah and Iranian intelligence agents were behind the attack, which followed a 1992 bombing — also unsolved — at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires.
Last Friday’s ceremony was held on a small stage close to the rebuilt AMIA building.
At 9.53 a.m. — the time of the bombing — the names of the victims were read, and a minute of silence was observed.
A song, written by Sofia Guterman — whose daughter Andrea was killed in the bombing — was played: “On every 18th the stars shine more, the sun sends more powerful rays,” the lyrics read.
At that moment, nothing except the memorial candles were shining: The sky was completely white, with a strong wind whipping spectators’ cheeks.
The trial against former police officers and a car mechanic accused of having a local connection to the bombing has been going on for 22 months.
It is expected to conclude before the end of the year, and Ruckauf and former members of Argentina’s intelligence service are expected to testify.
“I meet people I see only on July 18, we cry together, we feel so close,” said Chiesa, who lost his friend Guillermo Galarraga in the bombing.
Chiesa exchanged hugs with Salomon Said, the father and uncle of victims.
“I value so much what you do,” Chiesa said to Said, who attends every day of the AMIA trial.
“I just want the truth,” Said answered.