Viorel Octavian Florescu

Jan 29, 2004 - Viorel Octavian Florescu, 42, 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.

Octavian Florescu immigrated to Israel three years ago from Romania with his wife, Sandra, and their daughter, now aged 5. He worked in the meat department of the Co-Op supermarket in Mevasseret Zion. On Thursday, as always, Florescu took their daughter to kindergarten. Then he boarded the number 19 bus en route to the family's bank on Agron Street. "Octavian was a super person, a good man and a good husband," said his wife.

Viorel Octavian Florescu is survived by his wife and daughter.