Six years ago an act of terrorism changed the life of fifteen-year-old Malka Chana Roth and her family forever. She was killed in a suicide bombing attack in Jerusalem's Sbarro restaurant on August 9, 2001.
 
Fourteen other innocent people, many of them children and teenagers, were enjoying a meal on a warm summer's day in the heart of Jerusalem and were murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in a senseless act of violence.  One of them was also Malki’s lifelong girlfriend, sixteen-year-old Michal Raziel.  Malki and Michal were buried in graves side by side in Jerusalem’s Har Menuchot Cemetery.
 
Malka Roth, a sweet, talented and vivacious girl, was deeply devoted to do everything in her power to help disabled children, as her own sister was born with severe disabilities. She was also a well-loved madricha (leader) of nine-year-old girls in the Ma’ale Adumim branch of the Ezra Youth movement and a gifted classical flutist, composing her own music.  Malki brought happiness to everyone who knew her and touched many lives. 
 
Malki, a girl so filled with love and life, was murdered at a very young age for the sake of hatred and intolerance.  My own daughter, who is just nine years old, has recently begun to question me why bad things happen to good people.  It is difficult to explain to anyone, let alone an innocent young girl, why such devastating and hate-filled acts happen to the best of people. As a parent, I can only offer the explanation that there  is an ultimate good, and it is only in choosing to love in spite of the anger and hostility, that we can can learn and grow from it.
 
A living memorial was created by Malki's parents as a loving tribute to her.  Malki's death and life are the inspiration behind the establishment of the foundation and work that bears her name.  On the six year anniversary of her death, may Malki's story be an inspiration to love in these days so filled with hatred.
 
To learn more about Malki and the foundation, which provides disabled Israeli children to get access to quality home care, equipment and therapy, please visit the website at www.kerenmalki.org .