New York, NY – Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, released the following statement:
One year ago this week, the Conference of Presidents expressed deep concern to Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Ahlam Aref Ahmad Al-Tamimi, an FBI Most Wanted Terrorist responsible for the devastating 2001 bombing of the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem. This horrific attack claimed the lives of 16 innocent people, including three American citizens, and yet Al-Tamimi continues to find refuge in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
We urged the Biden administration to prioritize Al-Tamimi’s extradition, a request that Jordan has refused to fulfill in violation of the 1995 bilateral treaty between the United States and Jordan. Despite our appeal, we are disheartened to note that over the past year, no apparent action or diplomatic pressure has been exerted on Jordan to honor this treaty obligation.
This inaction reflects a troubling pattern across successive U.S. administrations, both Republican and Democratic, which have failed to secure the extradition of a terrorist responsible for such heinous crimes while being harbored in a nation that is ostensibly an ally.
We call upon the incoming administration to elevate this issue as a priority in U.S.-Jordan relations. A robust and urgent diplomatic effort is essential to bring Al-Tamimi to justice in the United States. At a time when terrorist threats persist and continue to harm both Israelis and Americans, the United States must reaffirm its commitment to justice for victims and their families, regardless of how much time has passed or where the perpetrators are sheltered.
We urge President Trump to apply the moral leadership and resolve necessary to address this critical matter and uphold America’s commitment to justice and accountability.
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the consensus-based, recognized central coordinating body representing 50 diverse national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of every member organization.
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