Sgt. David Biri - Sept 27, 2000

Sgt. David Biri, 19, of Jerusalem, was fatally wounded in a bombing near Netzarim in the Gaza Strip.

Sgt. David Biri died of wounds sustained in a bombing near Netzarim in the Gaza Strip. In the fatal attack, two pipe bombs were detonated electronically by Palestinian terrorists hiding approximately 60 meters from the road as a convoy of cars passed.

After the first bomb was detonated on the right hand side of the convoy, the vehicles continued further down the road before stopping. Biri and Lt. Noam Zissman got out of their jeep and went to check on the Israeli civilians.

"There were five settlers and a baby in three civilian vehicles," said IDF Gaza district commander. Following the first explosion, soldiers in the last jeep escorting the convoy immediately opened fire. The second bomb was detonated as the soldiers walked along the left side of the road.

After the second explosion, the area was closed to traffic. Additional troops arrived and eventually the convoy continued to Netzarim. IDF troops pursued the terrorists, who fled on foot.

Friends and comrades in arms gathered at Biri's Jerusalem home. Zissman, who sustained light leg wounds, arrived at the house on crutches and said, "It's hard. I was with him when it happened and I knew him. Inside I'm broken up and tears choke my throat, but I must remain strong for his family."

David Biri is survived by his parents, a sister, Eynav, 25, and twin brothers, Oded and Noy, 11. He was buried in the military cemetery in Mount Herzl, Jerusalem.