St.-Sgt. David Stanislavksy

Jun 5, 2002 - St.-Sgt. David Stanislavksy, 23, of Netanya, 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. David Stanislavksy immigrated to Israel from the Ukraine four years ago with his mother Irena. He was her only child.

David had also already bought a plane ticket to travel to the Ukraine next month to become engaged to Victoria, a childhood friend. She was going to come live in Israel. "He had an excellent sense of humor, he was a wonderful person, polite, optimistic and he loved life," said Irena.

St.-Sgt. David Stanislavksy was buried in the military cemetery in Netanya. He is survived by his mother Irena.