Bondi Beach Chanukah Attack Claims Another Life as Holocaust Survivor, 90, Is Niftar
Eva Geller, 90, a Holocaust survivor who suffered serious wounds when terrorists inspired by the Islamic State opened fire on a Chanukah gathering at Sydney's Bondi Beach last December, has passed away almost 11 months after the attack. Australian officials confirmed on Friday that she died overnight in a Sydney hospital. Her levaya will take place next week, ABC News reported.
According to ABC News, Mrs. Geller had to return to the hospital again and again after the shooting as she battled complications from her injuries. She is reported to have died of an infection linked to those wounds. New South Wales Police said they knew of her death and were deciding how to proceed. In a statement, they said they were waiting for further advice and working together with the coroner's office.
She was one of dozens hurt on December 14, 2025, when two gunmen shot into a crowd of hundreds who had come out for a public Chanukah event at Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and dozens more were injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting Australia had seen in decades. Authorities say the alleged attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, drew inspiration from the Islamic State. Police shot and killed Sajid at the scene. Naveed was wounded but lived, and he now faces many criminal charges. These include a murder charge for each of the 15 people killed, as well as a charge under terrorism laws. Officials have not yet said whether her death will bring further charges against him.
Her passing has brought back the pain of an attack that shattered Australia's Jewish community and raised wide alarm over the growing danger of antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences. He said that almost a year later, the destruction of that day still hurts families, and that this is felt more strongly than ever today. He added that the nation is "wrapping our arms around" Eva's family, her friends and the Jewish community.
An inquiry into antisemitism, set up with government backing after the massacre, is due to publish its findings on December 18.
According to ABC News, Mrs. Geller had to return to the hospital again and again after the shooting as she battled complications from her injuries. She is reported to have died of an infection linked to those wounds. New South Wales Police said they knew of her death and were deciding how to proceed. In a statement, they said they were waiting for further advice and working together with the coroner's office.
She was one of dozens hurt on December 14, 2025, when two gunmen shot into a crowd of hundreds who had come out for a public Chanukah event at Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed and dozens more were injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting Australia had seen in decades. Authorities say the alleged attackers, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, drew inspiration from the Islamic State. Police shot and killed Sajid at the scene. Naveed was wounded but lived, and he now faces many criminal charges. These include a murder charge for each of the 15 people killed, as well as a charge under terrorism laws. Officials have not yet said whether her death will bring further charges against him.
Her passing has brought back the pain of an attack that shattered Australia's Jewish community and raised wide alarm over the growing danger of antisemitism. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences. He said that almost a year later, the destruction of that day still hurts families, and that this is felt more strongly than ever today. He added that the nation is "wrapping our arms around" Eva's family, her friends and the Jewish community.
An inquiry into antisemitism, set up with government backing after the massacre, is due to publish its findings on December 18.