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Avraham (Albert) Balhasan
Bus no. 19 starts its route at Hadassah Ein Kerem and makes its way through the center of Jerusalem to Hadassah Hospital and the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. The bomber was in the back of the bus when he detonated the explosives as the bus drove up Gaza Street. The blast tore apart the bus, turning it into a twisted wreck. The back half of the roof was blown into the air and every window was blown out. In addition, over 50 people were wounded, 13 of them seriously. The Fatah-related Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack. Avraham Balhasan immigrated to Israel from France six years ago and volunteered for army service. Four years ago he married, Esther, who had also immigrated from France. Avraham was studying computers at the Lev Institute in Jerusalem while continuing his yeshiva studies. The couple lived in a rented apartment in the capital's Givat Mordechai neighborhood. They had no children. Four months ago, Balhasan's mother, Sylvia Dahan, also immigrated from France. Avraham usually left home earlier in the morning, but on the day of the explosion was aboard bus no. 19 and was killed in the blast. Neighbors described him as meticulous and diligent. He had a deep sense of belonging in Israel and would pray every morning at the Sephardic synagogue in the neighborhood. Avraham (Albert) Balhasan was buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife, Esther, and mother, Sylvia.
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