Cpl Felix Nikolaichuk

Sept 9, 2003 - Cpl. Felix Nikolaichuk, 19, of Bat Yam was one of nine IDF soldiers killed in a suicide bombing at a hitchhiking post for soldiers outside a main entrance to the Tzrifin army base and Assaf Harofeh Hospital. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bomber wore civilian clothes and carried a leather bag containing a 3-4 kilogram bomb. He got out of a car at the hitchhiking post, and almost immediately blew himself up, killing eight and wounding 30. The ninth victim died of her wounds on November 19.

Felix Nikolaichuk, who was to have celebrated his 20th birthday in three weeks, immigrated to Israel with his father and brother from the Ukraine seven years ago. His father Sergei relates how his son already then dreamt of serving in the IDF: "He wangted to enlist and serve the country." Sergei raised his two sons single-handed, as Felix's mother remained in the Ukraine. The family are not Jewish, and are members of the Provoslav Orthodox Church.

Cpl. Felix Nikolaichuk was buried in the Kiryat Shaul cemetery, following the arrival of his mother. He is survived by his parents, his 24-year-old brother Sasha, and his grandmother Ziva, 74.