ZAKA Volunteers Commemorate 23rd Anniversary of Jerusalem Bus 2 Suicide Bombing

On the 23rd anniversary of the suicide bombing on Jerusalem's Bus Line 2, ZAKA volunteers returned to the site to remember the tragic event that claimed 23 lives and injured over 130 people. The attack occurred on August 21, 2003, during the Second Intifada, when a Hamas suicide bomber detonated a powerful explosive device on a crowded Egged bus near the intersection of Shmuel Hanavi and Moshe Zacks streets. The bomber, Raad Misk, was assisted by a Hamas cell from East Jerusalem, who disguised him as an ultra-Orthodox Jew and transported him to the location.

The victims included infants, children, women, and men, among them a three-month-old baby from New York. Rescue, security, and medical teams arrived within minutes, while ZAKA volunteers worked for hours to respectfully handle the deceased, collect evidence, and support the families. Bentsi Auerbach, commander of ZAKA Jerusalem district and a responder at the scene, recalled the difficulty of the event, describing attempts to resuscitate an 11-month-old infant who ultimately died. He said, "Almost every day I pass by that spot and pray we never face such scenes again."

The victims' names were listed, highlighting the personal toll of the attack. ZAKA marked the anniversary with solemn remembrance, emphasizing the enduring impact on volunteers and the community. The organization continues to honor the victims and support affected families as part of its ongoing mission.