Mark Takash

March 5, 2003 - Mark Takash, 54, of Haifa, was one of 17 people killed in a suicide bombing of an Egged bus on Moriah Boulevard in the Carmel section of Haifa.

The bus was traveling on the city's main Moriah Boulevard near the Carmel Center, on the way to Haifa University, when the blast turned the bus into a charred wreck and scattered bodies along the road. The suicide bomber, who had boarded the bus, had the bomb strapped to his body, laden with metal shrapnel in order to maximize the number of injuries. A total of 17 people were killed and 53 injured.

Mark Takash immigrated to Israel 13 years ago from Russia, where he was active in the Zionist movement. He was employed as a guard at Haifa University and was on his way to the university for the afternoon shite when he was killed.

Mark was divorced, and his ex-wife and son reside in the United States. He has several relatives in Israel. His brother-in-law, Ya'acov, related: "He always had a smile on his face. He was an optimistic person, who always had people around him. He loved to tell stories."

Mark Takash was buried in Haifa.