Steven Averbach

(Asbury Park Press)

STEVEN AVERBACH
AGE: 44
FORMERLY OF WEST LONG BRANCH
Steve Averbach, 44, died Thursday, June 3, 2010 in his sleep in Israel. Steve had been quadriplegic (paralyzed from the neck down) since May 18, 2003 when he attempted to stop a Hamas homicide bomber on the number 6 bus in Jerusalem. The bomber prematurely exploded his bomb, and a ball bearing lodged in Steve's neck crushing his spinal cord. Steve saved countless lives as the bomber wanted to wait until the bus was full. Steve was declared a national hero. Raised in West Long Branch, Steve moved to Israel at age 16 to finish school and returned there to live at 18. He served in the Israeli Special Forces for three years and then joined the Jerusalem police anti-terrorist force. He then became a weapons and self defense instructor where he again gained national recognition. He was on his way to work in the early morning of May 18, 2003 when his life was drastically changed. Steve spent a year in the hospital. The doctors and nurses at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem worked day and night to save his life. He then went to Tel Hashomer medical center for 11 months of rehabilitation. Steve then returned to his home near Tel Aviv where he was cared for by his wife and aides around the clock. He came to New Jersey twice to raise funds for "Tikvot", an Israeli organization to help rehabilitate terror victims and their families through sports. The local reception he received was overwhelming. He was recognized as a true Hero.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; four sons ages 10 to 20; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. David Averbach of West Long Branch; a brother, Michael of Eatontown; and a sister, Eileen Sapadin of Englewood.
Steve was buried Monday, June 7 on a mountaintop overlooking his beloved Jerusalem.
Steven was featured in the Asbury Park Press in May of 2003 and again in 2007 when he came to visit his roots.