Rosa Roisinblit, an influential Argentine human rights activist, has passed away at the remarkable age of 106. She was known as an honorary president and founding member of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, a group dedicated to locating children who were stolen during Argentina's military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983.
Her organization expressed profound gratitude for her unwavering dedication, stating, We only have words of gratitude for her dedication... and the love with which she searched for the grandsons and granddaughters until the very end.
During a dark chapter in Argentine history known as the Dirty War, around 30,000 individuals were either killed or forcibly disappeared. Many children of detained activists were taken from their parents and adopted out, often into families aligned with the regime.
Roisinblit was born in 1919 in Moises Ville, a settlement founded by Jewish immigrants in Argentina. After pursuing a career as an obstetrician, she moved to Buenos Aires, where she married in 1951.
Her life changed drastically in 1978 when her daughter Patricia, son-in-law José Pérez Rojo, and granddaughter Mariana were abducted. Both parental figures were leftist activists taken by the military during its efforts to eliminate opposition. Their fates remain largely unknown, but Rosa was able to raise Mariana after she was returned to her.
Roisinblit’s contributions to the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo were paramount; she served various roles in the organization, ultimately becoming vice president until 2022. Under her guidance, the organization has successfully reunited approximately 140 stolen babies with their birth families, although many children remain unaccounted for.
In her later years, Rosa remained active in human rights advocacy, attending the trials of those responsible for the abductions and abuse during the dictatorship. Through her grandson Guillermo, she continued the mission of fighting for justice even into her advanced age.
Guillermo, who became a human rights lawyer, expressed his sorrow at his grandmother's passing while taking solace in the belief that she is now reunited with her family members lost decades earlier. He reflected on her legacy, stating, My Grandma has passed away, and beyond the sadness I feel, it comforts me to think that after 46 years she is reunited with my mom and with her great love, my grandfather Benjamín.
Roa Rosinblit's tireless dedication to human rights and justice has left an indelible mark on Argentine society and serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of grave injustice.
