Cpl Liron Harpaz

Oct 2, 2001 - Cpl. Liron Harpaz, 19, of Alei Sinai was killed when a Palestinian terrorist cell infiltrated the northern Gaza District community of Alei Sinai, opening fire on residents and hurling grenades into homes.

At about 7:15 P.M., just after the Sukkot holiday, Palestinian gunmen infiltrated the settlement of Alei Sinai in northern Gaza. They immediately opened fire and threw two hand grenades. Liron, an off-duty IDF solider, was killed by the initial shots along with her boyfriend, Assaf Yitzhaki. Another 14 were wounded in the attack and the ensuing firefight.

Liron, the second of three sisters, grew up in Alei Sinai and attended high school in Ashkelon, which she graduated with honors. She had enlisted in the army a month ago, and was to serve as a teacher. At about the same time, she met Assaf at a party, and they became friends. She invited him to spend the Sukkot holiday with her family at Alei Sinai. They went out in the evening for a walk, and were gunned down.

Cpl. Liron Harpaz was buried in the military cemetery in Ashkelon. She is survived by her parents, and her sisters Shani (23) and Chen (13).