St.-Sgt. Tzur Or

Jan 14, 2004 - St.-Sgt. Tzur Or, 20, of Rishon Lezion 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.

Tzur Or completed his high school studies in his home town, majoring in computers. He had served for two years at the Gaza District Coordination Office and just two months ago completed an officers' course. However, as he did not speak Arabic, he could not serve as an officer at the DCO and was awaiting transfer to another unit. Tzur's father, Tal, said that his son was a very giving person and that he loved the army. "He wanted to be a fighter," he said.

St.-Sgt. Tzur Or was buried in the military cemetery in Holon. He is survived by his parents, Tal and Adi, his older sister Ma'ayan and younger brother Barak.