Dana Itach

Jan 29, 2004 - Dana Itach, 24, 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.

Dana Itach rode either bus 19 or 31 from her apartment in the Katamonim quarter to work at the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation near Gaza Road every morning. On Thursday, Bus 19 came first. Itach was one station away from her destination when the bomb went off.

Dana had dreamed of raising a family with her husband, Alon, whom she married about a year ago, after a six-year friendship. Her relatives described her as gentle, patient and calm.

Dana Itach was buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. She is survived by her husband, Alon, and her parents.