Terrorist Bombing Victim's Father To Speak In Forest Hills

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS -- More than two decades have passed since Stephen Flatow's daughter was killed overseas in a terrorist bomb attack that changed his life forever.

Flatow, who once called himself "just another New Jersey real estate lawyer," became a global phenomenon after he successfully sued the Iranian government for the 1995 murder of his then-21-year-old daughter, Alisa. He will recount that journey in Forest Hills during an Oct. 8 seminar for his upcoming book, "A Father's Story - My Fight for Justice Against Iranian Terror," at the Central Queens Y, organizers said Tuesday.

In his new book, Flatow tells the story of Alisa, who was slain during her sixth trip to Israel on April 9, 1995, when Islamic Jihad terrorists carried out a suicide bombing on the bus she was on in the Gaza Strip.

But Flatow's book turns from tragic to heroic as he recounts how he sued Iran - and won - after discovering its government had directly sponsored the bomber who killed his daughter. He tells the story of working with a Washington lawyer to win the dramatic verdict, along with a $250 million judgement, in federal court.

Flatow is now a vice president of the Religious Zionists of America and a frequent columnist for publications such as the Jewish News Syndicate. He will kick off the Central Queens Y's annual "Fall Author Series" with a sneak peak of his new book on Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m., said the center's Cultural Arts and Jewish Heritage Programs director Peggy Kurts.

The center, located at 67-09 108 St., is requesting a $10 donation to attend the event. For more information, contact the Cultural Arts Department at (718) 268-5011, ext. 151, at pkurtz@cqy.org or online at www.cqy.org.

Lead photo courtesy of the Central Queens Y Cultural Arts Department