Jewish library, Chabad center attacked in Argentina suburb

Authorities in Argentina are investigating two separate attacks targeting Jewish institutions in the La Plata suburb of Buenos Aires, raising alarm bells within the community and beyond. The Israeli Literary Center and Max Nordau Library were targeted with a Molotov cocktail, which shattered windows but failed to ignite, while the local Chabad center also came under attack shortly thereafter. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in either incident, but the brazenness and proximity of these assaults have prompted a swift response from counterterrorism units.

These incidents are particularly concerning given Argentina's history of antisemitic violence, including the devastating bombings of the Israeli Embassy in 1992 and the AMIA Jewish community center in 1994. The Jewish community in La Plata, numbering around 2,000, and its Chabad center, a fixture for over 25 years, are now on heightened alert. The DAIA, Argentina's umbrella organization for Jewish communities, has condemned both attacks, emphasizing the threat they pose to democratic coexistence and the values of respect and pluralism.

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We are deeply concerned about the recurrence and the short timeframe of these incidents.

The attacks in La Plata occur against a backdrop of increased global antisemitism, with Jewish institutions worldwide on high alert since the start of the recent conflict involving Israel. While the investigation is ongoing, the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on social media following the attacks highlights the persistent challenge of combating intolerance. Mayor Julio Alak's strong condemnation, stating that "hatred and intolerance will not have a place in our city," reflects a commitment to protecting the diverse fabric of Argentine society.

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These acts of violence threaten democratic coexistence and the values of respect and pluralism. We will not allow hatred and intolerance to have a place in our city.