Cpl. Andrei Kegeles

Jan 14, 2004 - Cpl. Andrei Kegeles, 19, of Nahariya was one of four Israelis killed when a female suicide bomber detonated a bomb at the Erez Crossing in the Gaza Strip, which serves Palestinians entering Israel for work.

At about 9:30 in the morning, when the bomber, a 22-year-old mother of two, reached the area where Palestinian workers are inspected prior to entry into Israel, she told security personnel that she had a metal plate in her leg which could set off an alarm. Because she was a woman, a female soldier was sent for to inspect her. While she was waiting for the arrival of the woman soldier, the bomber apparently succeeded in penetrating a meter or two into the inspection hall, and blew herself up, killing four Israelis and wounding 10. The explosion ripped through the recently dedicated facility where Palestinian laborers and foreigners cross into Israel. Hamas and the Fatah Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed joint responsibility for the attack.

Andrei Kegeles immigrated to Israel from Belarus six and a half years ago with his parents, Nina and Igor, and brother Dimitri. He graduated with flying colors from the Migdal Ha'emek high school, majoring in computers. Andrei's family described him as a computer freak who loved reading and listening to music. Drafted into the army just four months ago, Andrei decided to be a combat soldier, saying to his parents, "I want to my army service to be useful. That's my way of contributing to the state."

After his son's death yesterday, Igor's voice was choked with tears and sorrow, but also with pride. He spoke about his son, "who was a regular Israeli guy, who wanted to go to the army. He was not afraid to serve in Gaza, he was no coward, and wanted to go to an officers' course. I asked him to serve somewhere else, but he wouldn't."

Cpl. Andrei Kegeles was buried in the military cemetery in Nahariya. He is survived by his parents, Nina and Igor, and brother Dimitri, 17.