Yosef Haviv

May 20, 2002 - Yosef Haviv, 70, of Netanya was one of three Israelis killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded section of Netanya's open-air market.

Since retiring, Yosef was in the habit of going to the Netanya esplanade to meet friends and returning home via the open-air market. His son-in-law, Itzak, said Haviv enjoyed the daily walk to the nearby market to do the family shopping. He wasn't afraid and always said, "Nothing will happen to me." Miriam Fierberg, the mayor of Netanya, spoke at his funeral and told of his love for the city during the 40 years he resided there.

Yosef Haviv immigrated to Israel from Iraq at the age of 18. He worked as a construction worker until his retirement in 1984.

Haviv was scheduled to attend a family wedding that evening and when he was late returning home, his family began to worry and call local hospitals. Later that night, they received the terrible news of his death in the market bombing.

Yosef's friends described him as a quiet, generous and kind person, who loved his family greatly. He was very close to his many grandchildren.

Yosef Haviv was laid to rest in Netanya. He is survived by his wife, three sons, three daughters and seven grandchildren.