Oct 23, 2008 - Avraham Ozeri, 86, was stabbed to death by an Arab terrorist as he walked near his home in the neighborhood of Gilo in Jerusalem.
The terrorist, 20-year-old Mohammed Bidan of the Arab village of Tekoa near Bethlehem, stabbed Avraham Ozeri after stabbing a 32-year-old police officer who asked him for identification. The officer was moderately wounded. Mortally wounded, Ozeri died shortly afterwards in hospital.
Avraham's son related that he had seen his father earlier in the morning, when he drove him to a local health clinic: "He had just finished his errands, and then, at the wrong time and wrong place, passed by exactly where the terrorist was fleeing the police."
Born in Jerusalem to parents of Yemenite origin, Ozeri worked in the Jewish Agency for many years and, since retiring, volunteered at the local community center every day for the past 15 years. "Everyone loved him.... He never hurt a single person, he only ever wanted to help," Amos said.
Ozeri felt a strong connection to the land of Israel. He served in the British served in the Lehi, one of the pre-state Jewish defense groups, and remained devoted to its values throughout his life, Amos added. He fought in Jerusalem during Israel's War of Independence.
Amos also related that his father, who remained physically fit and athletic even at his advanced age, had run in every marathon in the country in the past 50 years. "He was the oldest runner. All the sports organizers knew and saluted him," Amos said.
Neighbors described Ozeri as a kind man who was always ready to provide assistance. "He was a good-hearted man who loved to help others," one said. "Everyone who knew him only had good things to say about him." Another said Ozeri had insisted on helping her carry bags up the stairs despite his advanced age.
Avraham Ozeri was buried in the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem. Widowed ten years ago from his wife Rivka, he is survived by his son Amos, daughter Edna, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.