Letter from Gavin M. Gross - Mike's Place Dear All As you may have heard there was a terrible terror attack at my local bar on Tuesday night. It ripped the place apart, injuring many people, some seriously, and killed 3 of my very close friends. I was very lucky! My brother Andrew, was sitting 1m. from the blast and miraculously escaped with only ringing in the ears and some very light bruises. I have lived here for over 12 years now, seen Scud attacks and the Gulf War; Lebanon War; the army; NUMEROUS TERROR ATTACKS, narrowly missed 4 other suicide attacks but FOR ME nothing comes close to Tuesday night ...as this was far more personal Avi was not as lucky as us. His job as security guard is of course to stop any terrorists from entering the bar. As always he did his job well and consequently saved many other lives. Miraculously he is alive. He was taken off life support yesterday and although he is still in very serious condition, he woke up yesterday and I was able to see him for a few minutes. It was very traumatic as he looks like he has been tossed into a fire, is bruised and swollen and has internal injuries... but he is breathing and even smiling! He didnt know what had happened and when I told him that he is a hero he simply smiled in disbelief. He asked if anyone was injured or killed but naturally we could not tell him about Dominique and the others. It would have broken his heart. Avi is like a brother to me and it was no surprise to me or any of our friends when we heard that he was badly hurt. Dominique was a lovely, gentle, strong, and intellegent woman who loved this country like myself. Our love for Israel was just one of our many bonds. She was only 29 years old and 5 years here. (from France) Another of my friends (Yaniv) is also dead, and leaves behind a wife and 3 kids. We bonded through our love of rock and blues and met frequently at the bar, talking about music. He was in his mid 40's. Israeli In a country such as this it is such fun to have a place to go to in order to share a beer and a laugh, enjoy live sounds and watch the sea. Mikes Place is our little oasis. Only 2 months ago I was sitting with Dominique in the bar when a suicide bomber was captured just metres from the door. Fortunately in this instance he was caught in time, and we returned to the bar 2 hours later! This time around we were less lucky...however although the bar was trashed it is re-opening this Tuesday evening, the evening prior to Yom Haatsmaut (Independence day). This country is so strong and resilient. Isnt it incredible that a week later we will all be back there again for a memorial service (17.00 Tues for anyone who wants to join us and is here!!) ...it is this drive to be alive and continue, not to cave in to crazed bombers and politics, but to enjoy life in this special land. It will be tough to be there with such memories of where my friends died but it is what they would have wanted... for the music to go on....and it will!!!!!!! Just today myself and Andrew did an interview for the Daily Mail which will apparently be published on Monday 4th May. I hope they mention everything!!! Im afraid that I have not had time to write to everyone individually however thank you (whoever has been in touch) for your kind words and messages. Many people have told me that they would like to do something to help Avi. He has very little money. He works 5 nights a week from 20.00 - around 05.00 guarding Mikes Place. He then drives 40 minutes home to his caravan, wakes a few hrs later and goes to study Psychology!!! He was in a top combat unit and although I am not allowed to go into details, he was a hero long before this night at Mikes Place. It is people like Avi who form the backbone of our country, fight the wars and protect with their lives so that others can come visit and enjoy the sunshine... If any of you wish to make a donation to Avi, please send to the following accounts: Gavin M. Gross Bank Leumi, Branch 813 Basel Branch Act no: 12658/86 (if its in shekles) OR 12658/06 (foreign currency) This will be transfered to a trust account in Avis' Name in a weeks time. When he is a little better it will be given to him and he will be free to use it in whatever way he needs. If you do make a donation please e-mail me at this address and I will trace the transfer and acknowledge receipt via e-mail. If you wish to send cards/ cheques, the address is: Gavin M. Gross Rehov Hashla 6/11 Tel Aviv, 62283 Israel. I need to rush back to the hospital now so I will sign off. In fact I will not even have time to read this through and make corrections, however - Again thanks for all your kind words. Lets just hope and pray that everyone recovers from this and becomes stronger and better........ Even Avi, who according to the surgeon was given enough sedative to keep him under for 2 weeks has astounded us all by waking up already. Apparently he even tried to climb out of his bed last night....wowww its incredible!!! Since the bomb, I have been listening to Desire by Dylan, in which he has a fabulous song called Neighbourhood Bully.... it sums up our situation here in a way that only Dylan can, and (for those of you who are interested) I have attached the lyrics to this e-mail... Positive energy and positive thoughts, love .......... Gavin