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New York, New York, March 2, 2025 ... Today ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) honored Argentinian Judge Carlos A. Mahiques with the ADL Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation Award at the 2025 National Leadership Summit.
Judge Mahiques received this honor for authoring the majority opinion in the landmark ruling by the Argentinian Court of Cassation on March 11, 2024. This decision boldly confronted the cover-up by Argentinian officials related to the 1994 AMIA Jewish community center bombing in Buenos Aires, which claimed 85 lives and injured hundreds more. The ruling also reaffirmed longstanding accusations against Iranian officials, specifically implicating high-ranking Iranian government members and Hezbollah operatives in orchestrating the attack.
Judge Mahiques leveraged legal mechanisms to secure accountability and justice, shedding light on the crucial role that courts play in countering terrorism, alongside military, intelligence, and policy efforts. His decision underscored the involvement of Iranian officials and Hezbollah operatives, urging Argentinian authorities to collaborate with international entities, to bring these perpetrators to justice. This ruling marks a pivotal step in the ongoing 30-year quest for accountability and parallels the enduring pursuit of justice for Leon Klinghoffer, murdered 40 years ago by Palestinian terrorists on the Achille Lauro cruise ship.
Ilsa and Lisa Klinghoffer, co-founders of the Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer Memorial Foundation of the Anti-Defamation League, said, “We are honored to present this year's Klinghoffer Award to Judge Carlos Mahiques for his landmark ruling on the AMIA bombing. This is the first time we are recognizing an individual who has used the judiciary to combat terrorism. Especially now, 40 years after our father, Leon Klinghoffer, was brutally murdered by Palestinian terrorists aboard the Achille Lauro cruise ship, we commend Judge Mahiques for his relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to holding those responsible for the horrific AMIA bombing accountable.”
The award was presented by ADL Senior Vice President of International Affairs, Amb. Marina Rosenberg, who commended Judge Mahiques for his unwavering dedication to justice and his significant contribution to global efforts against terrorism. "While there is still a long path until justice is fully served to the AMIA bombing victims, Judge Mahiques’s ruling on an issue that has been repeatedly covered up and ignored, is an important and courageous step forward, and speaks to the need for courts to hold terrorists and their supporters fully accountable," said Marina. "For his courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice, it is my honor and privilege to present Judge Carlos Mahiques with the 2025 Klinghoffer Award."
In his acceptance speech, Judge Mahiques stated, "The terrorist attack against AMIA was a tragedy for Argentina and for the world—a turning point in understanding radical Islamist terrorism and its method of extreme violence. Terrorism is not merely a security or legal issue; it is primarily a political one; which, as a judge, I analyze like an archaeologist—tracing its remnants and reconstructing its original design. In such an endeavor, we cannot afford errors." He concluded by saying, 'Receiving the 2025 Klinghoffer Award is both humbling and an immense honor.'"
Established in 1987, the ADL Klinghoffer Award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward combating antisemitism and securing justice. Past recipients include Stuart A. Levey, the 9/11 Commission, and Former Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights Richard Schifter.
Judge Mahiques’ legacy, epitomized by this significant ruling, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the persistent need for legal avenues in the fight against antisemitism and terrorism.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.