Border Policeman St.-Sgt. Vladimir Trostinsky

Jan 14, 2004 - Border Policeman St.-Sgt. Vladimir Trostinsky, 22, of Rehovot 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.

Vladimir Trostinsky immigrated to Israel in 1997 with his mother Yevgenia and younger brother. His father remained in Russia. He joined the armed forces in 2001, and served in the Border Police. After undergoing surgery, he was transferred to a desk job, but, according to his commander, "he constantly nagged us to get back into his company." In October 2003, his request was finally granted, and he was stationed at the Erez crossing. "Everybody liked him," said the commander. "He always volunteered for missions." Because of the family's economic situation, Vladimir was allowed to work during his furloughs from the army, and found employment as a security guard. After completing his service in five months, he planned to work to help his mother pay the rent.

St.-Sgt. Vladimir Trostinsky was buried in the military cemetery in Rehovot. He is survived by his parents, his younger brother Constantin, 18, and his grandparents, Moshe and Ida.