The New York Times report that the Israeli Mossad was behind the assassination of the Al-Qaida's second-most senior official, Abu Muhammad al Masri, was welcome news for the families of his victims.
More than 200 people were killed in the al-Qaida terrorist attacks he orchestrated in August 1998 near the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, including 12 Americans.
The most senior US official to die in these double bombings was the US Consul General in Nairobi, Julian Bartley, Sr., who died with his son, Jay. His daughter, Edith Bartley, has become the spokeswoman for the families of the victims.
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She spoke with Israel Hayom on Sunday to discuss what she and other family members scarred from August 7, 1998.
Do you think that Israel's reported assassination serves as closure?
"Our families are grateful that the second-highest ranked al-Qaida operative accused of helping orchestrate the 1998 bombings on two American embassies in Africa will no longer be able to carry out deadly terrorist attacks. This brings us one step closer to the justice we have sought for 22 years," she said.
What are your personal feelings in the wake of the New York Times report?
"We are extremely thankful that it happened on the anniversary of the bombings. It was a crime against humanity. It is very special that our allies followed that terrorist"
Will al-Masri's assassination hurt al-Qaida in the long run?
"I do. He was a leader. It is symbolic that he no longer walks on earth. That person was responsible for big bombings. The world has now become safer".
How do you explain the fact that a senior Sunni al-Qaida member lived comfortably in the Shiite Iranian capital?
" I think that our country will have to evaluate our actions with Iran. As a person that has a lot of love for Israel, our families are extremely thankful."
Do you think Iran is financing al-Qaida?
"Sure, It is possible. Iran doesn't have friends in the world. We must make sure that they will stay alone. The next step in our mind about Iran is to create extra safety for Israel and Sudan and take care of our bilateral agreement with Sudan. Business with Sudan will hurt Iran, and Congress should understand it. "Now we are calling on Congress to immediately approve the recently signed bilateral agreement between the US and Sudan in which Sudan agreed to compensate victims of the 1998 embassy bombings. The deal will bring our families justice and help Sudan close this dark chapter in its history, making the US and our regional allies, particularly Israel, safer".
Finally, what is the message you want to convey to Jerusalem?
"Toda raba to Israel. It has a special place in my heart. I spent a large part of my childhood in Israel. The assassination increased my love for Israel even more. We want justice and make the world safer and this is the reason why we are grateful".
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