Trump Urged to Demand Jordan Extradite Jihadist in U.S. Case
On August 9, 2001, a devastating bombing at a Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem killed 16 people, including 15-year-old Malki Roth, an American citizen. Her father, Arnold Roth, is now calling for former President Donald Trump to demand that Jordan extradite Ahlam Tamimi, the woman responsible for the attack. Tamimi, a former Hamas operative, has lived freely in Jordan since her release from an Israeli prison in a controversial prisoner exchange.
Tamimi, who was 21 at the time of the attack, meticulously chose the Sbarro pizzeria due to its popularity among Jewish families. She was part of a coordinated effort by Hamas to target civilians. During a televised interview, she boasted about the attack, stating it was a deliberate act against Jewish children. In Israel, she was convicted for her role in the bombing and sentenced to 16 life terms in prison. Despite this, she was released as part of a deal to obtain the freedom of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held hostage by Hamas for five years.
Since her release, Tamimi has gained notoriety in Jordan. She hosted a talk show on Al-Quds TV that promoted extremist ideologies and has become a celebrated figure among some in the Arab world. This has largely gone unreported in mainstream U.S. media, leaving many unaware of her actions and their consequences.
In 2017, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed terrorism charges against Tamimi, requesting her extradition under a 1995 treaty between the U.S. and Jordan. However, a Jordanian court invalidated the treaty, claiming it was no longer applicable. The ruling raised eyebrows, as it was viewed as an attempt by Jordan to shield Tamimi from justice while still receiving substantial annual U.S. aid, estimated at $1.7 billion.
Despite the U.S. State Department’s insistence that the treaty remains in force, Jordan continues to protect Tamimi. Arnold Roth and his wife, Frimet, have fought tirelessly for justice, meeting with U.S. officials and gathering over 30,000 signatures for their petition. Yet, they have encountered bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of urgency from the U.S. government.
Roth emphasizes that U.S. taxpayer dollars should not support a country that harbors a convicted terrorist. He argues that Jordan is exploiting its relationship with the U.S. while simultaneously appeasing its Islamist base. The Roth family’s request for justice has been met with what they describe as “toothless” responses from U.S. officials, who have failed to take decisive action.
Tamimi’s defiance became evident when she stated in an interview with Al Jazeera in 2019 that her protection by Jordan gives her “strength.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for the U.S. to act. Roth argues that demanding Tamimi’s extradition would send a clear message: violations of bilateral agreements have serious consequences.
As a retired lawyer and manager in Israel’s technology sector, Arnold Roth dedicates his life to advocating for justice for his daughter and other victims of terrorism. The establishment of the Malki Foundation honors Malki’s memory and supports special-needs children in Israel.
In conclusion, action from the U.S. government, particularly from President Trump, could help break the cycle of impunity that allows figures like Tamimi to thrive while victims like Malki remain without justice. The situation calls for a renewed commitment to protecting American lives and upholding international agreements.
