Avi Zarihan

May 19, 2003 - Avi Zarihan, 36, of Beit Shean was one of three people killed in a suicide bombing at the entrance to the Amakim Mall in Afula. The Islamic Jihad and the Fatah al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades both claimed responsibility for the attack.

A new security guard was on duty at the doorway when his metal detector began beeping as the bomber, a young woman, reached the entrance. He called to his partner, Hadar Gitlin, apparently to ask for her help, when the bomb went off. The security guard, Avi Zarihan, and Hassan Ismail Tawatha were killed; Hadar was one of 70 people wounded in the blast. By preventing the suicide bomber from entering the mall, filled with about 2,500 people, the guards saved countless lives.

Avi Zarihan, an electrician, had recently completed professional training as a refrigeration and air conditioning technician. Born in Beit Shean, he returned to his home town last year, after living 10 years in Eilat, to be near his mother. He was looking for work and was planning to rent an apartment.

Avi's brother Meir described him as quiet and shy. "Everyone liked him. He never hurt anyone and always wanted to help - it didn't matter who."

Avi Zarihan will be buried in Beit Shean.