Survivor Reflects on 25 Years Since 2001 Jerusalem Sbarro Bombing

On August 9, 2001, a deadly bombing at the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem killed 16 people, including five members of the Sachivaschurder family. Eight-year-old Chaya Sachivaschurder survived the attack but lost her parents Mordechai and Tziril, and three siblings: Raaya, Hamda, and Avraham Yitzhak. She and her sister Leah were the only family survivors present at the scene. Today, 25 years later, Chaya lives in Rishon LeZion with her three children, each named after the relatives she lost in the attack.

Chaya recalls the traumatic moments of the bombing vividly, describing how she escaped the explosion and was treated for severe burns. She remembers seeing her injured brother in an ambulance and the confusion and grief that followed when she learned of her family's deaths. After the tragedy, she and her sister lived in Switzerland for a time before returning to Israel. Chaya has struggled with epilepsy and undergone multiple brain surgeries, a lasting impact of the trauma.

Despite the pain, Chaya tries to maintain strength for her children, who know about their grandparents and uncles but not the full details of the attack. She expresses the ongoing difficulty of living without her family and the emotional toll of anniversaries and recent security threats in Israel. Chaya also speaks of her belief that her lost family members watch over her and her children.

The article also highlights Michal Blazberg, who canceled her bat mitzvah in the U.S. after hearing about the bombing and helped found the "One Family" organization to support terror victims and bereaved families in Israel. Blazberg emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages those affected to seek help.

This story marks the 25th anniversary of the Sbarro bombing, reflecting on personal loss, resilience, and ongoing support for victims of terrorism in Israel.