Aug 31, 2004 - Roman Sokolovsky, 53, of Beersheba was one of 16 people killed in twin suicide bus bombings in Beersheba city buses. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.
The two explosions took place within minutes of each other on two Beersheba city buses, on route nos. 6 and 12, shortly before 3:00 P.M. The buses were traveling along Beersheba's main street, Rager Blvd, near the city hall. About 100 people were wounded.
Roman Sokolovsky was on his way home from work at a factory in the city's Emek Sara industrial area when he was killed. He had lived alone since the death of his mother four years ago at the age of 81. They had come together on aliya from Russia 10 years ago; a sister lives in Germany.
Friends described him as a very sociable man who helped others. "He loved animals and would always be taking in stray cats and dogs," said one. Sokolovsky was also known as widely educated, a book lover with a broad knowledge of chemistry, history, and poetry. He was a member of a literary society.
"A month ago he got his first salary from the factory and sent $30 to an old girlfriend in Russia," a friend recalled.
Roman Sokolovsky was buried beside his mother in the Ofakim Cemetery, as per her last request. He is survived by a sister.