U.S. Parents of 2001 Jerusalem Bombing Victims Urge Justice for American Victims

U.S. Parents of 2001 Jerusalem Bombing Victims Urge Justice for American Victims

The parents of an American teen killed in the 2001 Jerusalem pizzeria bombing have met with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to demand the extradition of Hamas terrorist Ahlam al-Tamimi from Jordan. The family, who lost their son Malki Roth, is pressing for action, citing a long-standing U.S.-Jordan treaty and the $5 million reward for her capture. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has reportedly refused extradition, despite U.S. diplomatic efforts.

The 2001 Sbarro bombing, which killed 16 people including three Americans, remains a significant historical event. The Roth family has repeatedly called for justice, arguing that Tamimi’s extradition is crucial for upholding U.S. law and honoring the victims. Despite multiple requests, U.S. officials have not provided the family with direct engagement, leaving them to question the administration’s commitment.

Frimet and Arnold Roth emphasized the need for concrete steps to advance Tamimi’s extradition. They criticized the state department’s handling of their case, alleging that officials have ignored their pleas. The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed Tamimi’s criminal charges but has not taken decisive action to secure her extradition.

With the 24th anniversary of the bombing approaching, the family is seeking renewed attention and action. They believe that the U.S. Justice Department must prioritize Tamimi’s extradition to ensure accountability and respect for American lives lost to terrorism.

Background and Context

The Sbarro pizzeria bombing occurred on August 9, 2001, and was carried out by Ahlam al-Tamimi, a member of Hamas. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including three American citizens—Malki Roth, Judith Shoshana Greenberg, and Chana Nachenberg. The bomb was placed disguised as a birthday present, detonated during a meal, and the victims were primarily children.

Al-Tamimi was captured in 2001, tried in an Israeli military court, and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, in a 2011 prisoner swap, she was released and transferred to Jordan, where she continued to pose an ongoing threat to global security. The U.S. State Department has offered a $5 million reward for her capture and has repeatedly called for her extradition to stand trial in the United States.

Recent Developments

The Roth family has sought multiple meetings with U.S. officials, including President Biden, to address the issue. However, they claim their requests have been consistently ignored. They noted that during a 2025 meeting with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, they were urged to continue pushing for justice, but no significant progress was made.

U.S. officials have publicly affirmed their stance on the importance of Tamimi’s extradition, emphasizing her historical role as a murderer and the need for her to face U.S. justice. Despite this, the family believes that the lack of direct engagement from state officials suggests that their priorities may not align with the wishes of the victims’ families.

The U.S. also maintains a substantial financial relationship with Jordan, providing significant military aid over the years. This relationship is a key factor in the ongoing diplomatic dilemma regarding Tamimi’s extradition. Jordan’s position may be influenced by both its strategic alliance with the U.S. and its domestic political considerations.

International Reactions and Ongoing Efforts

International attention remains on the case, with various media outlets covering the Roth family’s efforts and the broader implications for international justice. The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts in securing justice for victims of terrorism.

The FBI lists Tamimi as one of its most wanted terrorists, highlighting her threat to global security. Continued pressure on Jordan to extradite her will be crucial in ensuring that the victims’ families can find closure and that U.S. justice is upheld for those killed in the attack.

As the 24th anniversary of the Sbarro bombing approaches, the family’s persistent calls for justice underscore the ongoing impact of the attack and the need for decisive action from U.S. authorities to bring Al-Tamimi to justice.