Steve Averbach was riding Jerusalem Bus No. 6 on May 18, 2003, when he spotted a man dressed as a Hasidic Jew whose wingtips told a different story. Averbach tried to act, but the suicide bomber blew up the bus before Averbach could stop him.
Paralyzed for the remainder of his life, Averbach resolved to do whatever he could to stop other terror bombings. New Jersey attorney Gary Osen suggested suing Arab Bank under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Averbach felt so strongly about bringing the suit that he summoned Osen to his bedside in spring 2004 and insisted on a formal contract. To sign it, Averbach needed a health care aide to press down his thumb.
