Etty Fahima

Nov 27, 2001 - Etty Fahima, 45, of Netzer Hazani was killed when a Palestinian terrorist threw grenades and opened fire at a convoy on the road between the Kissufim crossing and Gush Katif in the Gaza Strip.

The terrorist, who was armed with a Kalatchnikov rifle, grenades and an army knife, opened fired on a bus and a convoy of four passenger vehicles. Etty, who was traveling in the first car, was fatally injured by a bullet on her right side.

Etty Fahima worked as a kindergarten teacher in Moshav Netzer Hazani. Eight years ago, Etty's husband Gabi suffered serious head wounds after being struck by a terrorist. For years, Etty cared for him and raised their children. Gabi just recently returned to work in Gush Katif.

Elad Zehavi, one of the soldiers who stormed the terrorist, was shocked to learn that the victim of the attack was Etty Fahima, his teacher for several years.

"She was a wonderful woman, and it is hard to accept the fact that she is no longer with us," said her friend Ilana Malichi. "Everyone in the moshav loved her. Since her husband was attacked eight years ago most of the burden of taking care of the family was on her."

Etty Fahima was buried in Arad. She survived by her husband and four children - Itai (20), Tamir (18), Rotem (13) and Yohai (9).