Ivan Shmilov

Jan 13, 2005 - Ivan Shmilov, 53, of Sderot, was one of six Israelis killed at the Karni Crossing when terrorists activated an explosive device on the Palestinian side, blowing a hole in the door, through which they infiltrated the Israeli side of the crossing and opened fire. Hamas and the Fatah al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed joint responsiblity for the attack.

The attack took place at about 22:45 PM, shortly before the closing of the Karni Crossing. After infiltrating the Israeli side of the crossing, the terrorists opened fire. As a result of the explosion and during exchanges of fire, six Israeli civilians - four Ports Authority employees and two truck drivers - and three Palestinian terrorists were killed, and five Israeli civilians were wounded.

Ivan Shmilov immigrated to Israel 10 years ago from the Caucasus, where his friends say he had been a successful merchant. He began work at the goods terminal at Karni fairly recently, after previously woring at the Yad Mordechai gas station. "He went to work to provide for his family and he did not return. He was a hard working person who loved his family," a close friend said. He was especially attached to his grandchildren.

Ivan Shmilov was buried in the Sderot cemetery. He is survived by two children and three grandchildren.