Baruch -Roman- Hondiashvili

Jan 29, 2004 - Baruch (Roman) Hondiashvili, 38, of Jerusalem was one of 11 people killed in a suicide bombing on a no. 19 Egged bus at the corner of Gaza and Arlozorov streets in Jerusalem.

Bus no. 19 starts its route at Hadassah Ein Kerem and makes its way through the center of Jerusalem to Hadassah Hospital and the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus. The bomber was in the back of the bus when he detonated the explosives as the bus drove up Gaza Street. The blast tore apart the bus, turning it into a twisted wreck. The back half of the roof was blown into the air and every window was blown out. In addition, over 50 people were wounded, 13 of them seriously. Both the Fatah-related Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades and Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

Baruch Hondiashvili immigrated from Georgia at the age of 6 and was a chef in Jerusalem's Great Synagogue. Each morning he took his children to the nursery school near his Kiryat Yovel apartment, on his way to the nearby bus station. He boarded the bus and was killed in the blast.

As a chef, Baruch twice represented Israel in international competitions and placed first in the world food decoration competition. He also practiced judo, and as a teenager was Israeli youth champion. Baruch's wife, Etti, said, "There never was, and never will be a husband, father and son like Baruch."

Baruch (Roman) Hondiashvili was buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. He is survived by his wife Etti, 3-year-old twins, and a 6-month baby.