Shimon Koren

Mar 31, 2002 - Ran Koren, 18, of Haifa was one of 15 people killed in a suicide bombing in Haifa, in the Matza restaurant of the gas station near the Grand Canyon shopping mall.

Just after 2:30 PM on Sunday afternoon, during the Passover holiday, the terrorist entered the popular Matza restaurant in the Neve Sha'anan district near the Grand Canyon mall. The explosion tore the roof off the one-story building, and blew out the windows, instantly killing 14 people, and leaving horrific scenes of people on fire, and people with lost limbs. Over 40 people were injured.

Ran Koren was having lunch at the Matza restaurant with his father, Shimon, and younger brother, Gal. His mother Rachel was supposed to join them, but at the last minute backed out of the date. A few minutes before the explosion, Shimon called to ask if she wanted him to bring home some take-away. Ran was killed along with his father and brother.

Ran was a 12th grader at the Reali school, considered Haifa's best. He is described by his friends as always having a smile on his face. He loved sports and was always riding his skateboard.

Ran Koren was buried in Haifa alongside his father Shimon and brother Gal. He is survived by his mother Rachel.