Avia Malka

Mar 9, 2002 - Avia Malka, 9 months, of South Africa was killed when two Palestinians opened fire and threw grenades at cars and pedestrians in the coastal city of Netanya on Saturday evening, close to the city's boardwalk and hotels.

At about 8:30 P.M. two Palestinians tossed grenades and sprayed gunfire on guests in the Jeremy Hotel as they were leaving after a traditional "Shabbat hatan" celebration, held on the Sabbath before a wedding. The gunmen then fled, but were chased down and killed by border policemen. A Magen David Adom volunteer medic was also killed in the attack, and over 50 people were wounded.

Avia Malka, just nine months old, was the youngest of five children of Michel and Ruthi Malka, of South Africa. They had arrived in Israel just a week before to attend Ruthi's brothers's wedding and to visit Avia's grandparents, who live in Hashmonaim. The family spent Shabbat at a hotel in Netanya. Avia, who was seated in her carriage, was fatally injured by a grenade thrown by the terrorist and died in hospital. Her father Michel was seriously wounded. attack

Avia Malka was buried in the Yarkon cemetery. She is survived by her parents, her grandparents, and her four older brothers and sisters - Dorine, Hemdat, Hodiel and Tzuria.