Rafael Berger

Jun 18, 2002 - Rafael Berger, 28, of Jerusalem, was one of 19 people killed in a suicide bombing at the Patt junction in Egged bus no. 32A traveling from Gilo to the center of Jerusalem.

The terrorist boarded the bus at 7:50 A.M. at the stop in Beit Safafa, an Arab neighborhood opposite Gilo, and almost immediately detonated the large bomb which he carried in a bag stuffed with ball bearings. The blast destroyed the front half of the bus, packed with people on their way to work and schoolchildren. Of the 19 victims, 17 were residents of the Gilo neighborhood; 74 people were injured.

Rafael Berger was born in Jerusalem and graduated from the Hebrew University high school. After completing his army service in the armored corps, he received a B.A. degree in chemistry from Tel-Aviv University. Last month, he completed his Master's degree in physical chemistry at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. A year and a half ago he married Orit Ezra, a music teacher. Rafael also loved music and literature.

The couple moved to Gilo nine months ago. In April 2002, Rafael was called up for reserve army duty in the IDF anti-terrorist Operation Defensive Shield.

Rafael Berger was buried in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife Orit, his parents and his brother Noam.