(22 February 2002 –10:20) A short time after 8:00am this morning, an Arab laborer entered a supermarket in the main shopping center of the Gush Etzion community of Efrat. He made his way to the rear of the store where he placed a bomb. He then headed back towards the front of the store followed by the bomb exploding seconds later. Resident, Lou Davis, carrying a licensed weapon, pieced the events together immediately as the terrorist began firing at shoppers. He drew his weapon and shot the terrorist in the head, killing him. It was learned immediately thereafter the terrorist was carrying a second explosive device on his person, apparently intended for phase two of the fatal attack that was thwarted.



One woman was injured slightly in a leg from running from the terrorist as well as becoming hysterical. She was transported to Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem neighborhood where she is reported in light condition.



The Efrat rapid response team was immediately activated and the community shutdown in compliance with standard operating procedure. Police bomb experts arrived and began dealing with the second bomb on the dead terrorist’s body while the store and area were combed for additional explosive devices.



Police indicated that it appears the first bomb only detonated in part, accounting for the miraculous outcome.



The Efrat security officer Uri Schechter has confirmed the terrorist was ‘cleared’ to work in construction in Efrat, as is the case with many PA residents in most Yesha communities. Supermarket manager Eli Shiran reports the store was quite busy with shoppers preparing for the Sabbath.



Following Saturday night’s fatal suicide bombing attack in the pizzeria in the Shomron community of Karnei Shomron, the Efrat Council voted to close the community to Arab laborers for two weeks to reevaluate the situation. The mayor and his deputy left for a trip abroad and council members who opposed closing the community to Arab unilaterally overrode the decision and permitted the laborers to enter one again.



Last Saturday night, two 15-year-old residents were killed and 30 innocent persons, mostly youths and children, were wounded in the attack when a lone bomber detonated an explosive device in the pizza shop. Some of the wounded remain in critical and serious condition.



Residents who were in the store stated that for Efrat, the day will be remembered as one on which a miracle occurred in the Gush Etzion community.