by Ram ben Ze'ev
On August 9, 2001, the heart of Jerusalem was struck by an act of sheer brutality that left deep scars in the lives of many and created a void that can never be filled. Ahlam Tamimi, a Jordanian woman, played a key role in orchestrating a massacre at a bustling Sbarro pizzeria, where families and children were gathered for lunch. Tamimi, who was the first woman to join the ranks of Hamas terrorists, carefully scouted locations and ultimately chose the restaurant, which was filled with families and tourists at the time of the attack. That fateful day, she escorted an Arab suicide bomber to the site, where he detonated his explosive-laden guitar case, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, including two American citizens, and the injury of 130 others, many of whom were severely wounded.
Tamimi's involvement went far beyond simply escorting the bomber. Her participation was calculated and deliberate. As a part-time newsreader at a TV station in Ramallah, she visited Jerusalem several times that summer to identify the best target for the massacre. She was fully aware of the devastating consequences of her actions and, even more disturbingly, has expressed no remorse for the horror and bloodshed she caused. In fact, Tamimi has publicly reveled in her role, proudly stating her delight in the outcome of the bombing, particularly the fact that more children died than she initially thought. A viral video shows her beaming with pride when told that the attack killed eight children instead of the three she had initially believed. This chilling lack of remorse makes Tamimi not only a dangerous terrorist but also a symbol of unrepentant brutality. Her notoriety has grown since the attack, and she remains a celebrated figure in some circles, where she is seen as a hero of the Arab cause.
Despite the unimaginable suffering she caused, Ahlam Tamimi lives freely in Jordan today, enjoying a level of influence and fame. Her continued presence in Jordan, where she is seen as a lightning rod for expressions of lethal terrorism, is a glaring injustice that must be addressed. In March 2017, the United States Justice Department unveiled charges against Tamimi for her role in the 2001 bombing, seeking her extradition to face trial in Washington, D.C. These charges are especially significant given that two of the victims were American citizens, meaning the United States has not only a moral obligation but also a legal mandate to bring Tamimi to justice. The U.S. has an extradition treaty with Jordan, signed in 1995, and in the past, Jordan has complied with U.S. requests for the extradition of Jordanian fugitives. However, in Tamimi's case, Jordan has refused, citing a narrow technical argument regarding the validity of the treaty. As a result, Tamimi remains out of the reach of U.S. law enforcement, despite being placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted list as the most wanted female terrorist in the world, with a $5 million reward for information leading to her capture.
Jordan’s refusal to extradite Tamimi represents a significant breach of international justice and undermines the strong ties between the U.S. and Jordan. The two countries have long enjoyed a close relationship, with Jordan being a key ally in the region and one of the largest recipients of U.S. foreign aid, receiving approximately $1.5 billion annually. This financial and diplomatic support has helped Jordan maintain stability in a volatile region. However, by shielding Tamimi from justice, Jordan jeopardizes its standing as a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism and damages its credibility on the international stage. The United States, which has consistently led global efforts to combat terrorism, cannot allow such a flagrant disregard for justice to persist. Tamimi’s continued freedom sends a dangerous message: that terrorists who carry out heinous acts against innocent civilians, including U.S. citizens, can evade justice and live with impunity.
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The parents of Malki Roth, one of the young victims of the Sbarro bombing, have waged a tireless campaign to hold Ahlam Tamimi accountable. Since 2012, they have called on the U.S. government to apply pressure on Jordan to extradite Tamimi and bring her to trial in Washington (via This Ongoing War). Their quest for justice is not only personal but represents a broader fight against terrorism and impunity. Malki Roth’s parents (Arnold Roth; Frimet Roth), who have shown immense courage in their advocacy, have highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that those who commit acts of terror face the full weight of the law. The freedom of someone like Tamimi, who openly revels in the death and destruction she caused, is a grotesque affront to the principles of justice, human dignity, and accountability.
The failure to extradite Ahlam Tamimi is not just a legal issue; it is a moral one. The unrepentant murderer’s freedom and celebrity status send out a deplorable message: that in some societies, blood-drenched terrorists who execute cruel and inhumane acts of murder can evade justice. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines international efforts to combat terrorism and devalues the lives of the victims. The United States must take a firm stand and use its considerable leverage with Jordan to ensure Tamimi’s extradition. By continuing to provide Jordan with billions of dollars in aid while Tamimi remains free, the U.S. risks appearing complicit in the denial of justice to the victims of the Sbarro bombing and their families.
Ahlam Tamimi’s continued freedom is a stark reminder that justice delayed is justice denied. For the families of the victims, particularly those of the two American citizens who lost their lives, the pain of knowing that Tamimi walks free in Jordan is unbearable. The United States has both the legal and moral authority to demand her extradition and must do everything in its power to ensure that Tamimi faces trial in Washington. Jordan, as a close ally of the U.S. and a signatory to an extradition treaty, must uphold its obligations and hand over Tamimi. Anything less is a betrayal of justice and an affront to the memory of the 15 innocent people who lost their lives in the Sbarro bombing.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue