Today we commemorate 24 years since the heinous attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The attack was carried out by Hizbullah, directed and supported by Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs painfully remembers the 29 victims murdered in the attack - Israeli diplomats and their spouses, embassy staff, visitors and passers-by. And, two years later, 85 more lost their lives in the attack on AMIA, the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

Today, the official memorial ceremony for the victims of the attack on the Israeli embassy will be held at the embassy plaza in Buenos Aires at the exact time of the attack 24 years ago. Education Minister Naftali Bennett will represent the Government of Israel at the ceremony.

Twenty-four years later, we are unfortunately still confronting terrorism and hatred in the streets of Israel and throughout the world. Just last week, David Fremd, a Jewish businessman from Uruguay, was murdered in a hate crime, just because he was a Jew.

It seems that the nations of the world are beginning to understand that this is a fight that we will win only if we stand together.

Twenty-four years later, we must remember that Foreign Ministry staff and families are at the forefront of the diplomatic struggle in Israel and abroad, facing incessant attempts to harm the vital interests of the State of Israel. Twenty-four years later, we promise the fallen that we will continue to strengthen Israeli diplomacy throughout the world, as an essential part of Israel's national strength.

May their memories be blessed.

Dr. Dore Gold
Director General, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs