Elmar Dezhabrielov

May 22, 2002 - Elmar Dezhabrielov, 16, of Rishon Lezion was one of two victims of a suicide bombing in the heart of the city. It was the second such attack in Rishon Letzion in two weeks.

The explosion occurred near the crowded city promenade, in the area of Gan Ha'ir - a park with sheltered benches and tables which is frequented mainly by the elderly. Elmar often spent time there with his friends, many of them fellow immigrants.

Elmar immigrated to Israel in 1997 from Azerbaijan, together with his mother, sister and grandparents. His father had died in a car accident before the family moved to Israel.

In addition to being a ninth grade student at the Na'amat Timon technical school in Rishon Lezion, he took on part-time jobs in an effort to contribute to his family's livelihood.

Friends told how he liked to dance, was a very happy person and always had a smile on his face. They set up a temporary memorial to him near the entrance to his house, with flowers and a picture of Elmar smiling.

During his funeral, his mother cried out, "My life, my baby, why did you leave me?" and then she fainted.

Elmar Dezhabrielov was buried in the Gordon cemetery in Rishon Lezion. He is survived by his mother and sister.