Zachar Rahamin Hanukayev

Apr 15, 2003 - Zachar Hanukayev, 39, of Sderot was killed when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire at the Karni industrial zone crossing in the Gaza Strip.

Shortly before noon, a Palestinian gunman entered the Karni terminal, where goods are moved between Israel and the Gaza Strip, hurling hand grenades and spraying automatic weapon fire, killing Zachar Hanukayev, a fork-lift driver at the terminal from Sderot, and Ahmed Kara, 20, a truck driver from Shuafat, near Jerusalem. Seven other Israelis were wounded in the attack. The gunman was killed by security personnel. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

Zachar Hanukayev immigrated to Israel from the Caucasus about ten years ago. He had been working at the Karni terminal for a few months. He had previously had a fruit and vegetable store in Sderot, but was forced to sell it because of financial difficulties. Family members related that he was ready to do any kind of work to support his family. He refused to sit at home and receive unemployment pay. Zachar's employer, Geva Hadad, said: "He had a high work ethic and had leadership qualities. He was always on time."

Zachar's wife Hannah said, "He worked with Arabs and Palestinians and developed good relations with them." Another relative added, "He was not afraid to work at Karni, because he believed that the Palestinians would not carry out a terrorist attack at the place that brought them food and medicine. He was wrong."

Zachar Hanukayev was buried in Sderot. He is survived by his wife, Hannah, and their three children: Vadim (14), Salva (9) and Mazal (3).