Julio Pedro Magram

Nov 4, 2002 - Mall security guard Julio Pedro Magram, 51, of Kfar Sava, a recent immigrant from Argentina, was one of two persons killed when a Palestinian suicide bomber detonated himself at a Kfar Sava shopping mall.

Magram became suspicious of the bomber as he tried to enter an appliance store. When he challenged the terrorist and then prevented him from entering the mall by blocking him with his own body, the suicide bomber detonated his belt of explosives. Police credited Magram with saving many lives by his heroic act.

Gastón Perpiñal, 15, was killed while speaking with Magram. About 70 people were wounded in the attack, for which the Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.

A confirmed bachelor, Magram immigrated to Israel in March 2001 with his 83-year-old mother, Rosa. He left the Ra'anana absorption center in January to live in Kfar Sava with his girlfriend, Eliana Shapiro, and her three children, also from Argentina, whom he met at the center. One of her children is a classmate of Gastón's.

Magram's mother, sister, and cousin live in Arad. Julio, who worked in marketing in Argentina, immigrated primarily to be closer to his family, according to his cousin's wife, Tzipi Magram. His nephew, Rafael Magram, described Julio as a wonderful person who loved life.

Julio Pedron Magram was buried in the Arad Cemetery. He is survived by his mother and sister.