Cpl.(res.) Alexander Nastarenko

Mar 6, 2002 - Cpl.(res.) Alexander Nastarenko, 37, of Netanya was killed when Palestinian gunmen ambushed an army jeep patrol on the patrol road near Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Close to 4 AM, two Palestinians crossed the fence between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza and, after cutting metal rods sunk into the ground and crawling through a water pipe, opened fire and threw grenades at an IDF jeep. Nastarenko was hit first and died shortly afterward; three other soldiers were wounded.

Alexander Nastarenko and his wife Ella immigrated to Israel from the Ukraine eight years ago. They have two daughters - Ina (13) and Emily (18 months). Alexander worked in a factory in Netanya and was described as a dedicated worker who worked long hours. His neighbors said that he was a polite and cultured person.

Alexander Nastarenko was buried in the military cemetery in Netanya. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters, and his parents who live in the Ukraine.