Bulgarian authorities have determined that a suicide bomber, apparently carrying a fake U.S. passport, blew up a bus carrying newly arrived Israeli tourists outside the airport of the resort city of Burgas. Security cameras caught the terrorist on tape shortly before the attack. Six Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian bus driver were killed in the attack, as was the suicide bomber.

Three Israeli victims remain in critical condition in hospital in Bulgaria. 32 of the wounded were airlifted back to Israel on Air Force Hercules transport planes, with another plane load of the injured to follow later today. A team of Israeli doctors and first responders, led by Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Dir.-Gen. Prof. Gabriel Barbash, along with Foreign Affairs Ministry professionals and security personnel flew directly to Burgas last night and an extended team from Israel arrived this morning.

American President Barack Obama said "I strongly condemn today's barbaric terrorist attack on Israelis in Bulgaria. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured and with the people of Israel, Bulgaria and any other nation whose citizens were harmed in this awful event. These attacks against innocent civilians, including children, are completely outrageous."

The need to provide assistance to victims of terror remains as critical as ever. The Fund for the Victims of Terror, operated by The Jewish Agency for Israel, is supported by contributions from Jewish Federations, philanthropic foundations and donors across North America. It will provide financial assistance to Israelis wounded in the attack in Bulgaria and to the families of those killed.

Since 2002, the fund has provided thousands of terror victims and their families with more than NIS 100 million in financial assistance. Funds raised help those affected by terror attacks address supplemental needs not covered by Israeli government bodies. Any family that experienced the loss or injury of a loved one in a terrorist attack may request assistance from the fund. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families in their time of need." said Marc Gold, chair of Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA Board of Directors. "The support offered through the Victims of Terror Fund will provide assistance and comfort to those whose lives have been devastated because of this terror attack."

Your contributions to the Victims of Terror fund will make a significant difference to the people in Israel and around the world who depend on us. To contribute online, please visit  www.jewishcanada.org. If you would like to contribute in person, please contact the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg at 477-7400.