Terrorist's victim to speak at temple

MARLBORO - Congregation Ohev Shalom, Marlboro Jewish Center, School Road West, will host a special program about Israel for the community at 7:30 p.m. July 29.

Steve Averbach will be the special guest speaker for "A Message of Hope." Averbach, a former resident of West Long Branch, was the victim of a terrorist attack on a Jerusalem bus, leaving him a quadriplegic.

According to a press release from the temple, after the incident, the Israeli Internal Security Ministry wrote Averbach a letter thanking him for saving lives. The terrorist had planned to blow up the crowded center of Jerusalem, but thanks to Averbach, who thwarted the attack, the bomb detonated prematurely.

Averbach has been working to restore self-confidence and dignity for all victims, most recently through Tikvot, an organization that rehabilitates and rebuilds lives through sports therapy.

He has spoken throughout Israel and the United States. As a former officer in the elite Golani Brigade, an arms instructor and the father of four sons, he has lived the history of Israel and speaks passionately about his experiences.

Averbach is in the United States to visit his parents, Dr. David Averbach, a surgeon at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, and Maida Averbach, a nurse, who still reside in West Long Branch.

Congregation Ohev Shalom, Marlboro Jewish Center, welcomes the community to attend this free event. For more information, call 732-536-2300.