A father’s relentless pursuit of justice for his murdered daughter faces a critical juncture as he appeals to President Trump for help in extraditing a Hamas terrorist.
At a Glance
- Arnold Roth seeks justice for his daughter Malki, killed in a 2001 Hamas attack in Jerusalem
- Ahlam Tamimi, the attack’s planner, lives freely in Jordan despite being on FBI’s Most Wanted list
- Roth urges President Trump to pressure Jordan into honoring extradition agreement
- US-Jordan tensions rise over extradition refusal and Palestinian displacement proposals
A Father’s Unyielding Quest for Justice
Arnold Roth, an Israeli father, continues his tireless fight to bring his daughter’s killer to justice. Malki Roth, an American-Israeli teenager, was one of 15 people killed in a 2001 Hamas terror attack in Jerusalem. The mastermind behind the attack, Ahlam Tamimi, now lives freely in Jordan, despite being on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Roth’s struggle exemplifies the heartache of families affected by terrorism and the complexities of international justice. Tamimi, originally sentenced to 16 life sentences in Israel, was released in a 2011 prisoner swap. She has since become a celebrity in Jordan, working as a television host and public speaker, seemingly untouched by her role in the deadly attack.
Diplomatic Tug-of-War
The US Justice Department charged Tamimi with terrorism in 2017 and requested her extradition from Jordan. However, Jordan has repeatedly refused to comply, citing a dispute over the validity of the 1995 US-Jordan extradition treaty. This standoff has led to increased tensions between the two nations, with the US considering diplomatic pressure to enforce the agreement.
“President Trump, help us get long-delayed justice for our murdered child,” Arnold Roth said.
Roth sees the recent visit of King Abdullah II to the White House as a crucial opportunity to push for Tamimi’s extradition. He is urging President Trump to use his influence to bring Tamimi to face American justice.
Jordan’s Stance and International Implications
Jordan’s refusal to extradite Tamimi has broader implications for US-Jordan relations. The country has reportedly warned that it might deport Tamimi unless another nation accepts her, a move that could potentially lead to her facing justice in the US. However, Jordan’s high court blocked her extradition in 2017, disputing the validity of the US-Jordan extradition treaty.
Adding to the complexity, tensions between the US and Jordan have risen over proposals for Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinians from Gaza. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has described Jordan’s position on this matter as “firm and unwavering,” rejecting any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
