Victor Erez

Apr 17, 2006 - Victor Erez, 60, of Givatayim was one of nine people killed during the Passover holiday in a suicide bombing at the Rosh Ha'ir shawarma restaurant, near the old central bus station in Tel Aviv. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

Victor Erez was a Tel Aviv taxi driver. "He'd do hotels, not the central bus station," his brother Binyamin said, "but like all the drivers he'd go there to eat shawarma." He had just stepped out of his cab when the bomber exploded.

Victor came to Israel at age two, with his family, from Libya. He and Miri were set up on a date and were married three years later in 1969. A disabled IDF veteran who lost a leg just before the 1967 Six Day War to a land mine, he had worked as a taxi driver for 49 years. "He worked like a mule, six days a week," his brother said, "and really gave his all to his family up to the last minute." His youngest grandson was born just a few weeks ago. Victor's sister Yafit described him as a warm-hearted and optimistic person, despite his disability, playing basketball with his grandchildren.

Victor Erez was buried at the Yarkon Cemetery near Petah Tikva. He is survived by his wife Miri, four children and five grandchildren.