Ahlam Tamimi, convicted for her pivotal role in the 2001 Sbarro pizzeria bombing in Jerusalem, continues to live freely in Jordan, shielded from US prosecution despite persistent efforts by American authorities and victims' families. Arnold Roth, whose 15-year-old daughter Malki Roth was among the victims, recently underscored the ongoing injustice, stating in a tweet: > "The Hamas woman who chose the target, brought the human bomb to its doors and built a career out of trumpeting the glories of murdering “Zionist” children, still lives free today, shielded from US prosecutors thanks to Jordan which unconscionably gets away with harboring her."
On August 9, 2001, Tamimi, then a 20-year-old journalism student, orchestrated the deadly suicide attack at the Sbarro restaurant, choosing the location and guiding the bomber. The blast killed 16 people, including seven children and two American citizens, Malki Roth and Shoshana Greenbaum, and injured over 130 others. Tamimi was subsequently arrested by Israeli authorities, convicted, and sentenced to 16 life terms, but was released in 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange and relocated to Jordan.
The United States Justice Department has since charged Tamimi with conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction against US nationals, placing her on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list. Despite an existing extradition treaty between the two nations, Jordan has consistently refused to extradite Tamimi, citing that its high court ruled the 1995 treaty was not formally ratified by the Jordanian parliament. This legal interpretation has been disputed by Washington.
The family of Malki Roth, led by her parents Frimet and Arnold Roth, has tirelessly campaigned for Tamimi's extradition, appealing to multiple US presidential administrations. The US government has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing Tamimi to justice, exploring various diplomatic avenues, including discussions about leveraging economic assistance to Jordan. Recent reports in early 2025 suggested Jordan might be reconsidering its stance, even reportedly urging Hamas to find an alternative country for Tamimi, though Jordanian officials later denied such requests.
Tamimi, who has expressed no remorse for her actions, has reportedly become a media personality in Jordan, hosting television programs and making public appearances. Her continued freedom and public presence remain a painful symbol of injustice for the victims and their families, highlighting the persistent diplomatic and legal impasse between the US and Jordan regarding her accountability.