Hava Hannah -Anya- Bonder

Jan 29, 2004 - Hava Hannah (Anya) Bonder, 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.

Anya Bunder immigrated to Israel 12 years ago from Moscow. She was to celebrate her 38th birthday, which took place two days ago, with family and friends on Friday. Instead, they attended her funeral.

Anya took the bus every day from her home in Rehavia to the Public Works Department, where she worked for the past six and a half years in the computer department. Her best friend, Nana Perpelochikov, arrived at the office as usual at 9 A.M. When she heard about the explosion, she called Bunder but could not get through. Knowing Bonder's usual punctuality, she began searching for her at the hospitals. "She loved life and people, and was proud to be a Jew," said Perpelochikov. Hava Hannah (Anya) Bonder was buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. She is survived by her two children, Shimon, 15, and Nehama, 14, and by her parents and a sister.