Massoud Makhluf Alon

Jan 2, 2003 - The charred body of Massoud Makhluf Alon, 72, from Menahemiya in the Lower Galilee, was found in the northern Jordan Valley in his burned out car.

Massoud Alon left his home Wednesday morning in his van, heading for the Arab villages in the Jordan Valley. Members of his family told police that he used to collect used clothing and blankets and give them to Bedouin and Palestinians there. When he did not return home by nightfall and no word had been received from him, his worried family informed the Tiberias police. The Fatah Al-Aqsa Brigades reported that they had abducted and killed and Israeli. The burned-out vehicle was discovered on Thursday in a dry river bed alongside the body, which had been badly mutilated.

David, Massoud's son, relates that although he warned his father not to travel to the area, he reassured him that he traveled only on main roads. Massoud believed in co-existence, said David, and would distribute candies to the Palestinian children in the villages, who called him "Saba" - grandfather."

Massoud Makhluf Alon was buried in Tiberias alongside his wife, who passed away 25 years ago. He is survived by six sons, three daughters and many grandchildren.