Ofra Burger

October 21, 2002 - Ofra Burger, 56, of Hod Hasharon, was one of 14 persons killed when a bus was blown up in a suicide attack by a terrorist driving an explosives-laden jeep near the Karkur junction.

Burger, a volunteer environmental activist, had retired four years ago after a long career teaching at the Lapid Elementary School in Hod Hasharon.

"I shall remember her as a very caring woman," said Hod Hasharon Deputy Mayor Moshe Erez. "She was very involved in the life of the community. When any harm was done to the environment, she would call and notify us... She had gone to visit her sick mother in Tiberias... and on her way home tragedy struck.

"We're dumbfounded," he continued. "Everyone here knew her and loved her -- parents, teachers, and pupils. She was full of life, with an outstanding personality, an activist, and young in spirit."

Some five months ago, Burger lost a cousin, Vicky Hen, in the terrorist attack on the El Al counter at Los Angeles International Airport. Ofra Burger was buried at the Neveh Hadar Cemetery in Hod Hasharon. She is survived by her husband, Ze'ev, two sons, and a daughter.