Eran Picard

Mar 7, 2002 - Eran Picard, 18, of Jerusalem was one of five youths killed when a Palestinian gunman penetrated the pre-military training academy in the Gush Katif settlement of Atzmona.

Hamas terrorists entered the southern Gush Katif community, opening fire and throwing hand grenades at the school and nearby houses, killing five and injuring 23. Eran Picard was fatally wounded by a grenade thrown into his room. His roommate Arik Krogliak was killed instantly.

Eran Picard attended the prestigious academy in Atzmona, a highschool that combines religious studies and military training. Eran's parents are physicians who immigrated to Israel 22 years ago from France. His mother, Dr. Rachel Picard, is a doctor in the intensive care unit in Sha'arei Zedek hospital in Jerusalem, where she constantly cares for victims of terrorist attacks in the capital.

Eran's parents said that their son was murdered while studying the Torah, preparing for the Passover holiday.

Eran Picard was buried in Jerusalem. He is survived by his parents, Eli and Rachel.