Israel Yihye

Mar 9, 2002 - Israel Yihye, 27, of Bnei Brak 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 9-month-old infant was also killed in the attack, and over 50 people were wounded.

Israel Yihye was in Netanya attending a religious seminar. When the firing began, Israel, as a Magen David Adom volunteer medic, rushed out to help the wounded. He was apparently caught in the crossfire as Israeli security forces confronted the terrorists.

Israel, the eldest in a family of 14, was a student at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Since the death of his father two years ago, he has been the head of the family. For the past four years, he volunteered as a paramedic at the Magen David Adom station in Beit Shemesh. David Cohen, the manager of the station, siad, "Israel loved helping anyone who needed his help. He was a wonderful person and volunteer, who helped without asking any questions."

Israel Yihye was buried in the Yarkon cemetery. He is survived by his mother and 13 siblings.