Sun Dec 21 05:52:44 UTC 2025: News Article:
Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting Claims 15 Lives, Including Heroic Couple
Sydney, Australia – December 21, 2025 – A week after a horrific mass shooting at a Hanukkah festival gathering on Bondi Beach, Australia, the victims have been identified, revealing stories of bravery, community, and devastating loss. The attack, which took place on December 19th, claimed the lives of 15 people, ranging in age from 10 to 87, including Holocaust survivors.
The elder gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed in a shootout with police. His 24-year-old son, Naveed, survived and is facing multiple charges including terrorism and 15 counts of murder.
Among the victims, Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, are being hailed as heroes. Dashcam footage shows Boris tackling Sajid Akram and disarming him, before both he and his wife were fatally shot when Akram acquired another weapon. The couple is remembered for their hardworking lives and commitment to their community.
Other victims include 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor and retired engineer, and 82-year-old Marika Pogany, another Holocaust survivor known for her volunteer work delivering kosher meals. Reuven Morrison, 62, is praised for attempting to distract the gunmen, while 78-year-old Tibor Weitzen died protecting a friend. Ten-year-old Matilda also tragically lost her life, remembered for her kindness and radiant smile.
The attack has deeply shaken the Australian community, particularly the Jewish community, and has sparked renewed conversations about security and the rise of anti-Semitism. Funerals for the victims are being held in Sydney, with mourners expressing their grief and honoring the lives of those lost in this senseless act of violence. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
First Piper 