Tirza Damari

Nov 10, 2002 - Tirza Damari, 42, of Elyachin, was one of five people shot and killed by a terrorist who infiltrated Kibbutz Metzer, located east of Hadera near the Green Line.

Damari was out walking with her boyfriend, Uri Ronen, 49, of Metzer, when the terrorist suddenly appeared in front of them and opened fire.

"We tried to get away, to the bushes, but he fired a burst at us and hit Tirza," Ronen said. "He then aimed at me, but a woman behind him distracted him and he turned away, and I ran to Tirza and then to get help."

The next killed was Yitzhak Dori, the kibbutz secretary, who was on call as a member of the kibbutz emergency response team and was the first to arrive at the scene after Tirza was shot by the intruder. Dori was killed in an exchange of fire.

The last killed were Revital Ohayon, 34, and her two sons, Matan, 5, and Noam, 4. The Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack. The terrorist escaped.

Tirza, who had been separated from her husband, met Uri at folkdancing four years ago and they were planning to get married. "Not a day went by that she didn't leave me a note in the morning; love letters," said Uri. "She called me her 'pure soul.' I'll remember the love she showered me with. She was a person who was a world in herself."

Tirza worked as a counselor in a juvenile home in Hadera, where her efforts were much appreciated. "She was exceptionally dedicated to the youth and did the work of 10 people," said Uri. "She was always so patient."