Michael Karim

Mar 27, 2002 - Michael Karim, 78, of Netanya was one of 30 people killed in a suicide bombing in the Park Hotel in the coastal city of Netanya, in the midst of the Passover holiday seder.

On the eve of Passover, the terrorist walked into the dining room of the hotel, located in the center of Netanya, where 250 guests had just sat down to begin the seder. He detonated an explosive device, killing 22 immediately and injuring 140, eight of whom subsequently died. The bomber was identified as a member of the Hamas Iz a Din al-Kassam Brigades, from the West Bank city of Tulkarem, which is just 10 kilometers (six miles) east of Netanya. He was on the list of wanted terrorists Israel had requested be arrested.

Michael Karim, who immigrated to Israel from Iran, worked for many years in a senior position in the Jewish National Fund. He married Dvora, and the couple lived for many years in Bet Shemesh. They moved to Netanya 20 years ago. Michael Karim was a devoted community worker and was active in the Iranian Jewish community. Last week Karim met with President Moshe Katsav to discuss a plan to establish a senior citizens' facility for the Iranian community. Recently Karim purchased a Torah scroll for his community's synagogue. Relatives speculated yesterday that Karim might have made such a purchase because he knew that his end was near - his health had been poor lately.

Michael and Dvora Karim celebrated Passover last year with their two daughters and their families at the Carmel Hotel in Netanya. This year they chose to celebrate the seder with friends at the Park Hotel, and then return home. Both were killed in the blast.

Michael Karim was buried alongside his wife Dvora in Netanya. He is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.