I am returning from a consultation in Buenos Aires. Much of my work took place at AMIA (Argentine Israelite Mutual Aid Association), which is the main institution for the Argentinian Jewish community, known for its role in promoting the welfare and development of Jewish life. Entering the building requires multiple security checks and the location is patrolled by armed guards. This is not just due to the heightened security that was spurred by the attack of October 7th, 2023 that triggered antisemitism against Jews all around the world, it is also because of the particular history of AMIA.
Originally founded in 1894 as a Chevra Kadisha, the AMIA’s mission was to promote the rights and values of our people who flocked to Argentina in the wake of persecution in Europe and the Middle East. But their safety and security in this new country was not assured, even when the powerful rulers there advocated on behalf of the Jewish community, ensuring their right to practice their faith. Gradually, those who settled in Argentina established a presence there with Jewish institutions and synagogues, and in time, the AMIA became the center for religious Jewish life in that South American country.
In the summer of 1994, a terrorist suicide bomber destroyed the buildings, taking the lives of 85 people in total: 67 in the building and 18 who were outside and in a neighboring building. Most of the evidence points to Iranian and Hezbollah involvement in the bombing, most of whom returned to their country in the aftermath of the bombing, with some holding public office. I heard of the horrible tragedy over the years as it did get considerable press coverage, but I did not appreciate the story as much until I participated in an immersive tour of the community and learned its history while visiting AMIA.
Latin American Jews reference the AMIA bombing much the same way as Americans reference September 11 and Israelis reference October 7. The impact of the massive-casualty trauma does not fade, either in the memories of the survivors or in the consciousness of the people who live in or visit Buenos Aires. As our Sages foretold, a quality of the Jewish people is that we often thrive despite tragedy. The Jewish community there thrives, with many learning institutions, a wide range of synagogues, and neighborhoods of Orthodox Jews who cling to our faith with sincerity and devotion. There is a warmth among people there in general, with other residents greeting them and sympathizing as life goes on despite the remaining signs and emotional cinders of that horrible bloodbath.
Why did I go there? I have been consulting for AMIA for several years. They first contacted me in the wake of a local tragedy for which they sought guidance. This was followed by other tragic incidents (from which no community is immune), and before long, the leaders concluded that part of a community’s growth involves addressing changes in society and contending with the erosion of values that emanates from the larger society around us. As King Solomon wrote (Koheles 2:14): A wise person has his eyes focused ahead and although we work on being an ascendant people, we also recognize those parts of society that appear to be devolving and deteriorating. This means taking precautions now and creating safeguards to shield our youth and families from the erosion of our way of life, and to have in place mechanisms to cope with crisis, as much as we pray that such should not occur. We have seen many communities that have suffered terror attacks and taken steps to create greater security and a means of self-care and protection.
So, I initiated a training for representatives of the kehillahs so that they will have in place a solid crew of capable men and women to provide support and intervention for those in crisis. The echo of unanticipated past tragedy has served to motivate this quiet and peaceful city to take care until the day when nations no longer lift up their swords against other nations.
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox is a forensic and clinical psychologist, and director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. To contact Chai Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis helpline, call 855-3-CRISIS or email crisis@chailifeline.org. Learn more at www.chailifeline.org/crisis.
