Grandma of 6 killed by Palestinian terrorist buried in Jerusalem

Levana Malihi, 60, mother of three, worked for 30 years in the Knesset; remembered as ‘loved by all’

Jerusalem resident Levana Malihi, 60, left, and police officer First Sergeant Yosef Kirma, 29, who were shot dead in a terror attack in Jerusalem, October 9, 2016. (Police spokesperson)
Jerusalem resident Levana Malihi, 60, left, and police officer First Sergeant Yosef Kirma, 29, who were shot dead in a terror attack in Jerusalem, October 9, 2016. (Police spokesperson)

Levana Malihi, 60, one of two Israelis killed by a Palestinian gunman on Sunday morning in Jerusalem, was laid to rest in the capital in the evening.

Malihi and a police officer, First Sergeant Yosef Kirma, 29, were killed in a drive-by attack and ensuing shootout. Six other people were injured.

Malihi, a mother of three and grandmother of six, was a retired Knesset employee. She was buried shortly after 8 p.m. at the Har Hamenuhot cemetery. Her family asked that media not attend and that they be given time to mourn their loss.

The attack began with the gunman shooting at a group of people who were waiting at a light rail stop on Haim Bar-Lev Street, injuring one woman. He then sped off toward Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau Street, where he shot and fatally wounded Malihi.

After firing on civilians twice, the assailant continued toward the Arab neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, where he was killed in a shootout with police. It was there that Kirma was killed.

Israeli forensic policemen collect evidence from a car belonging to a victim following a terrorist attack near the Israeli police headquarters in Jerusalem on October 9, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / MENAHEM KAHANA)
Israeli forensic policemen collect evidence from a car belonging to a victim following a terrorist attack near the Israeli police headquarters in Jerusalem on October 9, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / MENAHEM KAHANA)

Malihi worked in the Knesset for more than 30 years, until her retirement in 2010, the parliament’s spokesman said in a statement. “Veteran workers remember a very warm woman, loved by all, dedicated, caring and modest,” the statement said.

She was fatally shot by the terrorist as she waited with a group of other Israelis for public transport.

Her nephew Harel told reporters that the family was requesting privacy in its difficult hour.

“The family is mourning and in pain and still trying to come to terms with the bitter news,” he said.

Kirma, a member of the elite police reconnaissance unit Yasam, was killed while trying to charge the gunman, police said. “He fearlessly pursued the terrorist in order to neutralize him and prevent further harm to innocent bystanders,” a police statement said.

A resident of the Jerusalem suburb Mevasseret Zion, he was buried in the capital’s Mount Herzl cemetery. Hundreds joined his family, Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich, and fellow officers, for the ceremony. He is survived by his wife of five months, parents and two brothers. Kirma, who was decorated in December 2015, after helping to stop a terror attack, was posthumously promoted to the rank of first sergeant.

Most Popular
read more: