Cpl. Avraham Barzilai

Jun 5, 2002 - Cpl. Avraham Barzilai, 19, of Netanya, was one of 17 people killed when a car packed with a large quantity of explosives struck Egged bus No. 830 traveling from Tel-Aviv to Tiberias at the Megiddo junction near Afula.

The attack took place at about 7:15 in the morning. The force of the explosion lifted the bus into the air, and reduced the car carrying the bomb to charred metal. The car exploded near the gasoline tank of the bus, causing it to burst into flames. Most of the casualties were soldiers who were on their way to their bases. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack.

Cpl. Avraham Barzilai was on his way back to his base from an unexpected furlough. His father accompanied him to the bus stop and saw him off about an hour before the terror attack occured.

Avraham graduated from the ORT high school in Netanya, majoring in electronics. He postponed his army service to attend the ORT Hermlin college in Haifa, but after six months decided to leave school and began his military service in the Ordnance Corps. Avraham enjoyed sports, especially basketball. Friends described him as someone who always liked to help others.

Cpl. Avraham Barzilai was buried in Netanya. He is survived by his parents, Yaakov and Suzy, two brothers, Rafi (24) and Shai (17) and a sister, Maya (22).