On the morning of 18 July, a bomb planted in a car exploded at the building which housed the offices of the Jewish community of Buenos Aires. Two weeks later the number of dead had risen to 94, of whom 70 were Jews and the rest non-Jewish by-passers. There were over 100 injured The attack was carried out by terrorists, and it was assumed that they were supported by Iran. In view of the magnitude of the carnage and destruction, and the fact that so many victims were trapped under the rubble, Israel decided to dispatch to Buenos Aires the IDF rescue unit. The unit flew in the next day and spent ten days in the Argentinian capital, helping clear the rubble and rescue people. Text of the Foreign Ministry statement follows:
This evening (Monday), 18 July 94, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres ordered - in coordination with the approvided authorities - the dispatch of the IDF rescue unit in order to assist in clearing the ruins of the Jewish Community building in Buenos Aires. Foreign Ministry representatives will join the unit.
FM Peres asked Israel's Ambassador in Argentina, Yitzhak Aviran, to express - in his name, and in that of the Government - profound shock over the act and condolences to the families. He promised that the Government of Israel would do everything in its ability to find the hand responsible for killing the innocent, and sever it.
The Foreign Minister of Argentina called Mr. Peres this evening and expressed deep sorrow and shock over the horrible terrorist attack. He promised to make every effort to locate those who carried out the attack, and he detailed the actions being taken by his government in the rescue work. The Argentine Minister asked to relay condolences, in his name and in that of President Menem, to the State of Israel and to the Jewish people.
Immediately upon receiving the news, the Foreign Ministry activated its emergency format - and opened special direct lines to the Embassy in Argentina, in order to receive public inquiries for details about family members in Argentina.
The Israeli Ambassador in Argentina and staff members immediately headed for the site of the explosion, and they are maintaining a constant presence at the site. Embassy staff members, in conjunction with persons headquartered in Jerusalem, are working to assist the large Jewish community in Buenos Aires.