From the Washington Jewish Week-November 22nd Edition...

'We Are Survivors, Not Victims'

Operation Embrace’s honorees last week told their stories of terror and expressed their gratitude to the organization for the assistance it has given and continues to give to them and their families.

The Potomac-based organization, which held its annual fund-raiser at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, provides emotional and financial assistance to victims of terrorism in Israel.

Avi Tabib, a security guard who was severely injured in the April 2003 terrorist attack at Mike’s Place in Tel Aviv, has been credited with saving dozens of club patrons when he pushed a suicide bomber away from the door and to the ground. Three people were killed, and 16 hospitalized. “Something about this guy did not look right,” remembered Tabib, pointing to his nervousness and “crazy eyes.”

Although Tabib’s injuries included broken hands, he remembers scrawling that he was “coming out of it, big time.” That meant that he would recover physically, go back to his job at Mike’s Place and get his degree. He accomplished all three, and praised Operation Embrace for being “there when you need them,” not just financially, but with cards and phone calls, said Tabib, who noted, “We are survivors, not victims.”

Oren Kozik told the story of his son, Tzur, who was hit in the head when a terrorist fired on their car. He was 10 at the time, and lost his ability to walk, speak and read. “The frustration is unimaginable,” said Kozik. “Tzur was a brilliant boy,” said his father, who believes that has been a factor in his son’s recovery. Words, Kozik told those in attendance, “can never explain the strength that me and my family have received from your embrace.” Tzur has partially recovered, and brought many to tears when he sang for the crowd.