Ofer Tiri
Jan 13, 2005 - Ofer Tiri, 23, of Ashkelon, was one of six Israelis killed at the Karni Crossing when terrorists activated an explosive device on the Palestinian side, blowing a hole in the door, through which they infiltrated the Israeli side of the crossing and opened fire. Hamas and the Fatah al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claimed joint responsiblity for the attack.
The attack took place at about 22:45 PM, shortly before the closing of the Karni Crossing. After infiltrating the Israeli side of the crossing, the terrorists opened fire. As a result of the explosion and during exchanges of fire, six Israeli civilians - four Ports Authority employees and two truck drivers - and three Palestinian terrorists were killed, and five Israeli civilians were wounded.
Ofer Tiri, the youngest of the Tiri family's ten children, began working at the Karni crossing as a security guard after completing his military service in the Israel Air Force some six months ago. Before the army he had studied at the Kiryat Noar yeshiva high school in Jerusalem, followed by two years training in electronics.
"He had golden hands," relatives said. "He was the diamond in the crown. He especially loved to cook, and before leaving for work on Thursday told his mother he would help her prepare the food for his nephew's bar mitzva celebration on Saturday." Tiri was also active in volunteer work, Ashkelon's deputy mayor Nissim Khalfon said, helping in collections for the need.
Ofer's friends described him as a funny person, who like to tell jokes and to dance. At the same time, he was a deeply religious young man, pleasant and polite, who got on well with everyone. He had plans for the future, including specializing in air conditioning.
Ofer Tiri was laid to rest at the Ashkelon cemetery. He is survived by his parents, Shlomo and Shoshana, and nine siblings.