Elizabeth Katzman

March 5, 2003 - Elizabeth (Liz) Katzman, 17, of Haifa, was one of 17 people killed in a suicide bombing of an Egged bus on Moriah Boulevard in the Carmel section of Haifa.

The bus was traveling on the city's main Moriah Boulevard near the Carmel Center, on the way to Haifa University, when the blast turned the bus into a charred wreck and scattered bodies along the road. The suicide bomber, who had boarded the bus, had the bomb strapped to his body, laden with metal shrapnel in order to maximize the number of injuries. A total of 17 people were killed and 53 injured.

Liz Katzman immigrated to Israel with her parents Yelena and Alexander from the CIS 12 years ago. Well-liked by all, she was a 12th grade student majoring in theater and sociology at the Leo Baeck High School in Haifa. A beautiful 17-year-old with startling green eyes, white skin and black hair that fell to her waist, her schoolmates called her "Snow White."

Liz and her friends were preparing for the final exam in theater, the culmination of seven hours of studies a week over the course of three years, in which students are tested on all aspects - acting, production, direction, costumes and music. The exam was to take the form of a theatrical production - Anat Gov's play, "Best Friends" - a show still running at the Cameri Theater. After looking at costumes for the play with her friend Tal Kerman, she decided to accompany her friend home. Both girls were killed.

The play was performed on April 7, with Liz's sister Marina playing her role as Lili alongside the 12th graders.

Light-haired Marina was the ambitious realist, while black-haired Liz was very spiritual, but no less ambitious, both striving for perfection. Two months before she was killed, Liz sang a special song at her sister's wedding in honor of the couple.

Elizabeth Katzman was buried in Haifa. She is survived by her parents and sister Marina, 24.