Lior Azulai
Feb 22, 2004 - Lior Azulai, 18, of Jerusalem was one of eight persons murdered and more than 60 wounded by a Palestinian suicide bomber on a No. 14A Egged bus opposite the capital's Liberty Bell Park.
The attack took place at about 8:30 a.m. as the crowded, rush-hour bus was making its way downtown. The Fatah Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack, which was carried out by Muhammad Za'ul, from the Bethlehem area. He had boarded the bus undetected and was overlooked by two security inspectors who boarded after him and alighted before he detonated the explosives he was carrying in a backback.
Lior Azulai was a high school senior at Jerusalem's Gymnasia Rehavia and was on his way to school from his Baka neighborhood home when he was murdered. He was one of the most popular students at the Gymnasia, according to the principal, who noted, "All the 12th graders wept together" upon hearing of his death.
"Lior was an amazing boy," the principal continued. "He was on the soccer team and was exceptionally well liked. He was one of the most outstanding kids in the class." He was looking forward to his compulsory military service and wanted to serve in a combat unit.
Fourteen years ago, Lior's cousin, the soldier Iris Azulai, was stabbed to death by a Hamas terrorist in Jerusalem.
Lior Azulai was buried at Har Hamenuhot Cemetery in Jerusalem. He is survived by his parents and a sister.