Nissan Cohen

Apr 12, 2002 - Nissan Cohen, 57, of Jerusalem was killed by a woman suicide bomber who detonated a powerful charge at a bus stop on Jaffa road next to the entrance to Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda open-air market. Another 104 people were injured in the blast, among them nine Arabs. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.

Nissan Cohen immigrated to Israel as a young boy with his family from Afghanistan in 1952. Twelve years ago, he moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Nissan worked in construction.

"Nissan was a saint. In spite of the tiny salary that he earned, he gave charity. When he heard of people killed in attacks, he cried. He visited the sick and prayed for them," said Nissan's neighbor.

Nissan cared for the neighborhood synagogue. He opened it early in the mornings for prayer and often returned to the synagogue late at night to turn off the electricity. He worked with handicapped people during the days and studied Gemara at nights.

Nissan usually spent Friday afternoons at the Western Wall. This week, he went to the market.

Nissan Cohen was buried in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife Rivka, three sons, three daughters and two grandchildren.