Introduction to Rosa Roisinblit and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo
Rosa Tarlovsky de Roisinblit, a prominent figure in Argentina’s human rights movement and the former vice president of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, passed away on Saturday at the age of 106. The organization announced her passing in a statement, expressing gratitude for her unwavering dedication and love for searching for the stolen grandchildren.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1919 in Moises Ville, a town of Jewish immigrants in Santa Fe’s countryside, Rosa Tarlovsky became an obstetrician. Her life took a dramatic turn during Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976-1983) when her daughter Patricia Roisinblit and son-in-law José Pérez Rojo, both members of the armed Peronist group Montoneros, were abducted.
Family’s Abduction and Subsequent Events
On October 6, 1978, Patricia and José, along with their 15-month-old daughter Mariana, were kidnapped. Miraculously, Mariana was returned to the family and raised by her grandmother, Rosa. However, Patricia was eight months pregnant at the time of her abduction, and the newborn was stolen shortly after birth in the clandestine detention center ESMA.
Reunion with Grandson and Continued Advocacy
More than two decades later, in 2000, thanks to the efforts of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo that Rosa herself championed, she was reunited with her grandson Guillermo Roisinblit, one of the 140 recovered by the organization. Despite the pain of her loss, Rosa continued her advocacy, stating, “I never stop.”
Conviction of Kidnappers and Lasting Impact
In 2016, three military officers responsible for her grandson’s enforced disappearance were sentenced to between 12 and 25 years in prison. Rosa emphasized that her children were the true heroes who stood up against a brutal dictatorship for a better country.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Rosa Roisinblit? Rosa Tarlovsky de Roisinblit was a human rights activist and the former vice president of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, an Argentine organization dedicated to reuniting families separated during the country’s military dictatorship.
- What happened to her family during the dictatorship? Rosa’s daughter Patricia and son-in-law José were abducted along with their 15-month-old daughter Mariana. Miraculously, Mariana was returned and raised by her grandmother. Patricia was pregnant at the time of her abduction, and the newborn was stolen shortly after birth.
- How was Rosa involved in the search for her grandson? Rosa played a crucial role in Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, advocating for the recovery of the stolen children. In 2000, she was reunited with her grandson Guillermo Roisinblit.
- What is the current status of the search for stolen children? According to Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, approximately 300 grandchildren born during captivity or abducted alongside their parents are still missing.
