Memory: The Who, Why, and How

May 5, 2025
Gal Rubel

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Class of 2025

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Why memory? That exact question popped into my mind on the bus ride between the corner of Arroyo y Suipacha and my home. 33 years ago, in that same corner, a car filled with explosives made the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires become pieces. It took with it lives and left many more injured.  The only reason I know that is because somebody decided it should be a part of my long-term memory. I was lucky, I had the best history keepers in the world; amazing madrijim and mejanjim who taught me all about it. They ensured every March 17th didn't go unnoticed. It's one of those dates that in recent years has become part of a routine. Since the attack, the youth unite on the 16th to read the names of all those who died and make their memory a blessing. The why is clear, if we don't remember, it can be like it never happened. 

Is it enough with just memory? During the march on the 16th, those who were not alive during 1992 were by far the majority. Memory is not the only thing needed to ensure continuity. Education is a key part of how memory does not stop with those who lived through it. Many of those who taught me about the attack were not alive, they were history keepers. Education is the tool that makes sure a memory becomes a cause.

Can the youth remember without being there? There is something special about the rallies called by the Jewish Youth in Buenos Aires. It's unexplainable but it's proof that the community is bigger than I thought. As I walk through the crowded corner, I see people I know. I see that friend I have been meaning to catch up with, that Madricha from two years ago, and that friend’s friend who I only shared a couple of words with three years ago. I am surrounded by my friends and strangers. I am not the oldest or the youngest. I say present when we honor the 29 victims, I sing the Hatikvah and later say see you tomorrow since we have full madrichim team meetings on Mondays. The youth remembers and is the reason why the ceremony still happens every year.

Can you erase memory? I remember to say happy birthday to somebody I know tomorrow. Somehow March 17th is a date that jumps out on the calendar. This is the first year I am not taking a class on the topic after 10 years of a Jewish education from Elementary to High School. I think about all the people who spoke today, they are not that much older than me. They made sure I remembered that all teens have the possibility to remember what's important.

What will you do with your memory? It's impossible to answer without knowing you. It's not only about March 17th or what happened in that corner 33 years ago but rather what all of us can do to fight antisemitism and hate from our homes. Carrying memory is as important as educating, the youth is equally as necessary as the adults, and continuing is up to us.

Gal is a BBG living in Buenos Aires, Argentina who is in love with outer space.

All views expressed on content written for The Shofar represent the opinions and thoughts of the individual authors. The author biography represents the author at the time in which they were in BBYO.

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