After graduating from college in 2002, I had the great privilege to live, work, and study in Israel. It was undoubtedly one of the best times of my life, and probably the most dangerous. Although Israelis live under the constant threat of attack from numerous different terrorist groups, this was the height of the 2nd Intifada. I was scheduled to leave for Israel in late August 2002. On June 18, 2002, a terrorist boarded Egged bus 32A in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. Moments later, he detonated his bomb, murdering 19 people and injuring many more. One of those he killed was Shiri Negari, a 21 year old woman who had just returned to Israel from traveling abroad. She was murdered a few days before her 22nd birthday.
I never had the privilege of meeting Shiri, yet I was drawn to her life, beauty, and grace. She was only a few weeks older than me; a strong, proud Israeli who loved God, her country, her family, and her fellow man. Shiri's life on earth ended 11 years ago today, yet she still lives on in all of our hearts. Rest in peace, Shiri. You will NEVER be forgotten!
Shiri's family has done an excellent job keeping Shiri's memory alive:
Shiri's memorial website
Memorial video by Shiri's family
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
