THE LIFE AFTER TERROR FUND

WATCH A REPORT FROM ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS

On the 29th April 2003, Mike's Place Tel Aviv was packed with people dancing, relaxing and enjoying its weekly music jam session. At 12.45am, with the night in full swing and regulars and band members spilling onto the sidewalk, a homicide bomber approached the bar and blew himself up murdering three people and injuring over 50. A month after the attack, some of the injured still remain in hospital.

While mourning their tragic and pointless murder, we, at Mike's Place have dedicated ourselves to helping those whose lives were shattered in the attack. Although public and media interest quickly fades after an attack, the injured bare their scars forever, and the lives of the victims and their families will never be the same again.

The extent of the injuries was horrific and the Life after Terror Fund has been established to help the victims.

>> Alfredo, a student, suffered horrific burns from head to toe. He is 25 years old.

>> David, a 37 year-old musician whose arm was blown off by the explosion. His brother Gaby, standing just meters away, witnessed the awful event.

>> Ariel, just 24 years old and a talented bass player, suffered the most severe burns. He is expected to be hospitalized for a considerable amount of time and still requires around-the-clock medical attention.

>> The family of Yannai Weiss has tragically lost a husband and a father. Yannai was the 'provider' and is survived by a wife and two young sons. Their 15 year old son suffers from a chronic disease, and requires constant and expensive medication and treatment.

>> Zohar, 27 years old, underwent a serious leg operation and skin grafts following the attack. She is now out of the hospital but unable to walk unaided, she will be confined to her home for a considerable time.


These are just some of those victims of the homicide bombing. For many, what should have been a peaceful night of music and enjoyment changed their lives forever.

Avi Tabib, the security guard, and long-time regular and friend, was at work on the door at the time of the attack. By blocking the bomber, Avi's actions no doubt saved many lives that night - but as with the other victims and their families, his life has been devastated by the attack.

Before the attack, Avi was in his first year of a Psychology degree, and as a student, barely had the money to finance his studies. In order to save money, he had moved into a caravan in Maale Shomron, and undertook a dangerous 40 minutes drive through the territories to work every day.

Avi made it clear whilst still in the hospital, that should the same situation occur again - he would react in exactly the same way again.

Following Avi's release from hospital he is now faced with a new set of challenges. Avi needs to move to Tel Aviv, unable to make the long dangerous drive to work or study every day. He is also in need of regular medical and recuperation treatment, including physiotherapy, and this is not available anywhere near his current home.

Avi's biggest worry is his studies. With barely enough money to finance the next semester's tuition, Avi is concerned he will have to abandon his studies completely.

Avi is also unable to help or be helped by his family, many of whom have been unable to work since the attack in order that they could provide care for him both in hospital and at home.

This is just one example of where funds are needed to provide assistance and grant dignity back to the victims and their families.

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The Life after Terror Fund has been established, with an independent and non-political, Board of Trustees responsible for considering and providing assistance to its beneficiaries.

Examples of assistance include:

>> Financial assistance to those who, due to their injuries, are unable to support themselves.

>> Helping the injured and disabled victims to modify their housing, or to resettle into suitable homes with facilities for wheelchair access, and limited mobility.

>> Support to victims who can no longer pursue previous occupations and studies due to their injuries.

>> Assisting the victims and their families in meeting the costs of ongoing medical and physiotherapy treatments and providing professional psychological help.

>> Helping to cover the cost of completing educational studies for those unable to work to support themselves.

>> Where possible, helping the victims to rebuilt their lives and maintain their dignity. One musician, severely injured in the bombing, simply asked for a new guitar to replace his instrument that was damaged in the attack.

Government aid is obviously limited; and as a family we are stepping in, to give support in the immediate aftermath and in the long term.

We need your assistance.

The Life after Terror Fund has applied for Charitable Status in Israel and the United States, but a temporary fund has been established in the interim.

For more information on the Life after Terror Fund, please call Gavin Gross on +972 (0) 54 544 245 or visit www.mikesplacebars.com.

If you would like to make a donation, the account details are as follows:

Bank Transfers to:

"Gavin Gross (Mike's Place Terror Fund)"
Bank Leumi (Basel Branch), Tel Aviv
Branch Number: 813
Account Number (For N.I.S.): 17294/73
Account Number (For Foreign Currency): 17294/93


Checks Payable to:

"Gavin Gross (Mike's Place Terror Fund)"
C/O Gavin Gross,
Rehov Hashla 6/11,
Tel Aviv, 62283
Israel