St.-Sgt. Zvi Gelberd

Jun 5, 2002 - St.-Sgt. Zvi Gelberd, 20 of Hadera, was one of 17 people killed when a car packed with a large quantity of explosives struck Egged bus No. 830 traveling from Tel-Aviv to Tiberias at the Megiddo junction near Afula.

The attack took place at about 7:15 in the morning. The force of the explosion lifted the bus into the air, and reduced the car carrying the bomb to charred metal. The car exploded near the gasoline tank of the bus, causing it to burst into flames. Most of the casualties were soldiers who were on their way to their bases. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

St.-Sgt. Zvi Gelberd was on his way to the army base where he served when he was killed. He began his military service in the Armored Corps, but transfered to a non-combattant post for health reasons.

Zvika was a football referee in the lower leagues, and he was thought to have a bright future in the sport. He was excited about the Mondial games. He was also a talented artist, who had won a prize for his drawings.

St.-Sgt. Zvi Gelberd was buried in the military cemetery in Hadera. He is survived by his parents, Tamar and Yehuda, and two sisters, Zehavit (25) and Lital (17).