Arnold Roth, whose daughter Malki was tragically killed in the 2001 bombing of the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem, is amplifying his criticism of Jordan for harboring Ahlam Tamimi, the individual responsible for the attack that claimed 16 lives and injured over 130 people.
Tamimi has been living openly in Jordan since her release in October 2011, following a prisoner exchange deal that secured the return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
#What is the background of the Sbarro pizzeria bombing?
The Sbarro attack is identified as one of the most devastating terrorist incidents during the Second Intifada. Among the casualties were seven children and a pregnant woman, making it an especially heartbreaking chapter in the ongoing conflict. The attack also took the lives of three American citizens.
Tamimi was sentenced to a life term in an Israeli prison but served approximately eight years before her release. In a documentary, she chillingly acknowledged the death of eight children in the bombing with a smile.
#Why is there a push for extradition?
Roth and his wife, Frimet, have relentlessly petitioned the U.S. government for Tamimi's extradition from Jordan. Their request is based on two main arguments: first, that Jordan has an extradition treaty with the United States, and second, that three Americans were among those killed in the attack.
The U.S. has designated Tamimi as a fugitive, offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to her capture. Despite this incentive, Jordan has not complied with the extradition request.
Roth's efforts have grown more pressing in 2025, particularly with emerging reports of negotiations between Jordan and Hamas regarding Tamimi's fate.
#Why is Jordan’s inaction significant?
Critics, including Roth, argue that Jordan's legal rationale for denying extradition—claiming improper ratification of the treaty—is merely a convenient excuse rather than a legitimate legal issue. This situation raises critical questions about the validity of prisoner exchanges, noting that Tamimi's release was part of a larger swap involving more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for one Israeli soldier.
The dialogue between Jordan and Hamas in 2025 regarding Tamimi hints at shifting diplomatic dynamics. The U.S. reward remains active, as does the extradition treaty. Roth, still grieving his daughter's death over two decades ago, continues to advocate for accountability regarding Ahlam Tamimi's actions and her current circumstances in Jordan.