Justice for Terror Victims: American Parents Demand Extradition of Hamas Bomber from Jordan

Justice for Terror Victims: American Parents Demand Extradition of Hamas Bomber from Jordan

JERUSALEM— Pressure is mounting on Jordan to extradite Ahlam Aref Ahmad al-Tamimi, the self-confessed Hamas operative responsible for a devastating bombing at a Jerusalem pizzeria in 2001. This tragic attack claimed the lives of three Americans, including children, and left 16 dead overall.

Frimet and Arnold Roth, parents of Malki Roth, a 15-year-old American citizen who lost her life in the Sbarro bombing, recently held a virtual meeting with Jeanine F. Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The meeting took place on July 17, 2025, as the Roth family advocates for justice.

The U.S. State Department has established a reward of $5 million for information that leads to al-Tamimi’s capture. However, reports suggest that Jordan’s King Abdullah II is resisting calls for her extradition, prioritizing the country’s diplomatic relations over justice for the victims.

Advocating for Justice

During their meeting with Pirro, Arnold Roth expressed his profound concern, stating, “You have the capacity to push for her extradition, to ensure that the 1995 treaty is honored, to show Jordan and its population along with the watching world that harboring terrorists has consequences.” These remarks reflect a mounting urgency as the anniversary of the bombing approaches next month.

Arnold Roth further implored, “We’re here today to implore you to act. Jordan needs to know the U.S. cannot tolerate the protection of a murderer of American citizens. U.S. justice needs to be respected by the world and, without hammering this point too hard, by America’s lawmakers and senior officials.” The Roths emphasized the necessity for concrete measures to facilitate al-Tamimi’s extradition.

In the 2001 attack, al-Tamimi also claimed the lives of Judith Shoshana Greenberg and Chana Nachenberg. Arnold Roth underscored that all victims deserve justice and that al-Tamimi’s extradition should become a priority for the U.S. Department of Justice.

U.S. Official Responses

Questions arose regarding whether U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed al-Tamimi’s extradition with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. In response, a State Department spokesperson affirmed that the United States has repeatedly emphasized to the Jordanian government the importance of holding al-Tamimi accountable in an American court for her role in the deadly bombing.

The spokesperson reiterated that the U.S. continues to pressure Jordan to treat al-Tamimi as the brutal murderer she is and brings her to justice.

At present, al-Tamimi is on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list, becoming the second female to receive such a designation. Frimet Roth appealed to U.S. Attorney Pirro, stating, “We cannot carry this fight alone any longer. Judge Pirro, please, be the voice for Malki and the other American victims. Be the advocate for justice that has been denied for too long. We beg you to act—not for our sake alone, but for the integrity of American law and the sanctity of every life lost to terror.”

In May 2025, the Roths presented a petition with approximately 30,000 signatures to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The petition urged the Trump administration to increase pressure on Jordan for al-Tamimi’s extradition.

Longstanding Struggles for Justice

Arnold Roth conveyed frustration regarding the lack of communication from officials within the State Department about the al-Tamimi case. He stated, “No senior figure from State has ever, in all the years of our fight for justice, agreed to speak with us. Their treatment of us and of the Tamimi case is deplorable.” He referenced a past correspondence from Victoria Nuland, a high-ranking official, who indicated that al-Tamimi’s case was a priority but failed to follow up on subsequent inquiries.

Jordan receives significant foreign military financing from the United States. Since 2015, the Department of State has allocated $2.155 billion to Jordan, making it one of the largest global recipients of U.S. military aid.

Al-Tamimi’s Admission of Guilt

Reports indicate that al-Tamimi has openly boasted about her role in the pizzeria bombing. In statements made to the media, she asserted her lack of remorse, emphasizing her commitment to jihad. She declared, “Of course. I do not regret what happened. Absolutely not. This is the path. I dedicated myself to jihad for the sake of Allah, and Allah granted me success. You know how many casualties there were. This was made possible by Allah. I would do it again today, and in the same manner.” Such declarations underscore the urgent need for justice.

In 2017, the U.S. Justice Department charged al-Tamimi with her role in the Jerusalem bombing. Multiple inquiries submitted by Fox News Digital to Jordan’s government and its embassies in Washington, D.C., and Tel Aviv regarding al-Tamimi’s extradition have not yet received responses.

A Call for Action

The Roth family’s ongoing battle for justice illustrates not only personal loss but a broader fight against terrorism and the protection of American citizens. Their plea echoes the need for justice in a world where impunity can perpetuate violence.

The pressure on Jordan and the United States government must continue, as the stakes are high—not just for the Roth family but for the principles of justice and accountability in international law. The call for the extradition of al-Tamimi remains a critical issue, highlighting the moral obligation to confront terrorism decisively and ensure the rights of victims and their families are prioritized.