Cpl. Aya Malachi

Feb 10, 2002 - Cpl. Aya Malachi, 18, of Moshav Ein Habesor was one of two female soldiers killed in a drive-by terrorist shooting at the entrance to the IDF Southern Command base in Be'er Sheva.

In the early afternoon, at about 13:30, two terrorists opened fire at the entrance to the IDF Southern Command base in Be'er Sheva. Cpl. Aya Malachi, 18, of Moshav Ein Habesor, and Lt. Keren Rothstein, who were in the bakery across from the base, were mortally injured and died in hospital shortly afterwards. Four others were injured, one critically. One of the terrorists was killed at the scene; the second, wearing an explosives belt, fled in the direction of a nearby school when he was shot and killed by a soldier and police officer. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cpl. Aya Malachi, who was drafted in August 2001, served in IDF Southern Command as a non-commissioned education officer.

Aya, the youngest in her family, studied communications at high school in Ein Habesor. Her friends describe her as a serious, responsible and talented girl who loved to dance. In the course of her studies, she produced several movies, including one of The Little Prince. Aya's mother passed away 18 months ago of cancer, and, in her memory, Aya produced a movie about her life.

Aya's aunt said: "She was a flower that was plucked in the spring, when it was just blossoming. She was a girl who had just joined the army. She was an outstanding soldier, she finished her course with excellency and fulfilled all her responsibilities exceptionally well."

Cpl. Aya Malachi was buried in Ein Habesor. She is survived by her father Yossi, her brother Saguy, and two sisters, Hadar and Marva.