Sofia and Boris Gurman

Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61, had shared 34 years of marriage before terrorists killed them. Their relatives described the couple as honest and industrious individuals who extended kindness to everyone they encountered. Dashcam video captured Boris Gurman fighting with one of the gunmen in the attack's opening moments. The footage shows Gurman seizing control of the terrorist's firearm for several seconds during their confrontation on the street, before the terrorist shot the couple at point-blank range. Eyewitnesses reported they died in each other's arms.

The family statement read: "Devoted to their family and to each other, their absence has left a void that cannot be filled... In the moments before their passing Boris, with Sofia courageously beside him, attempted to intervene to protect others. This act of bravery and selflessness reflects exactly who they were: people who instinctively chose to help, even at great personal risk."

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

Rabbi Eli Schlanger had led his congregation for 18 years and directed the Chabad mission in Bondi, where he assisted numerous individuals ranging from elderly residents to incarcerated people. He is survived by his spouse and several young children, including an infant just two months old, along with his mother and siblings.

"A devoted rabbi and chaplain, working tirelessly … to support Jewish life in the Bondi community," Chabad's statement read.

Matilda

Matilda, a 10-year-old girl, attended the Hanukkah by the Sea event alongside her family members, including her sister, when a terrorist shot her.

Her parents, Valentyna and Michael, surnames withheld on family request, immigrated to Australia from Ukraine before Russia's invasion, The Guardian reported. "We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist. So just remember – remember her name," the parents stated, articulating heartbreak too vast to fully comprehend.

"Imagine you see your beautiful little sister that you love just being killed in front of you. They were like twins. They've never been separated … Matilda was very friendly. She loves school, has a lot of friends … She's just a happy kid, always gives me cuddles," her aunt Lina shared.

Dan Elkayam

Dan Elkayam, a French citizen, relocated to Australia last year to seek an engineering job. Elkayam played football passionately, and the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in west Sydney described him as "an integral member" of its premier league squad in a Facebook statement. The club characterized him as "an extremely talented and popular figure amongst teammates. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and all that knew him. He will be missed," the club's statement read.

"I have learned with deep sadness of the death of our fellow citizen Dan Elkayam in the antisemitism terrorist attack in Sydney," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote. "My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and I extend to them the full solidarity of the nation."

Peter Meagher

Peter Meagher completed 34 years of service with the NSW Police Force before retiring with the rank of detective sergeant. He volunteered as a first-grade manager for Randwick Rugby. The club mourned the devastating loss of "Marzo" in a statement, saying, "He was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby… He spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos … Rest in Peace 'Marzo'. We all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated." Meagher worked as a freelance photographer at Sunday's Hanukkah event.

"Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband, and uncle whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever," his family said.

Tibor Weitzen

Tibor Weitzen, 78, was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who perished while protecting his family members from the gunfire. He immigrated to Australia from Israel in 1988, and his relatives characterized him as vibrant and full of vitality.

"My grandfather was truly the best you could ask for," his granddaughter, Leor, said. "He was so proud of us … and loved us more than life itself. He only saw the best in people and will be dearly missed." 

"He was the congregation's beloved 'candyman' who brought joy and smiles to everyone," Chabad's statement read.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman survived the Holocaust as a child, struggling through a brutal Siberian winter alongside his mother and younger brother to survive. Following the war's conclusion, he departed Ukraine for Australia to pursue a career in civil engineering. His children and grandchildren also attended the Bondi Hanukkah celebrations. Alexander's wife, Larissa, stated her husband of 57 years was murdered while attempting to shield her from gunfire.

"He died shielding her from the gunman's bullets," Chabad's statement read. "In addition to his wife, he leaves behind two children and 11 grandchildren."

Edith Brutman

Edith Brutman was a cherished figure within Sydney's Jewish community. "Our beloved Edith was a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day," her family shared. "She met prejudice with principle, and division with service. Our family mourns her deeply, but we ask that her life, not the senseless violence that took it, be what endures. We hope her memory calls us as a nation back to decency, courage, and peace."

Marika Pogany

Marika Pogany volunteered to transport kosher meals for COA, an organization serving Jewish seniors. "She lifted the room simply by being in it," the organization shared in a statement. "She asked for nothing and gave everything...She took the time to know every person on her route. She chatted. She listened. She noticed the small things. She changed light bulbs, literally bringing light into people's homes. Her joy and spirit carried people through their week and through their loneliness...We are shattered by her loss. Marika gave real love to this community, and her impact runs deep."

Boris Tetleroyd

The fatal shooting of Boris Tetleroyd occurred while he attended Hanukkah by the Sea alongside his son, Yakov. While Yakov sustained gunshot wounds and continues receiving treatment for severe injuries, his father succumbed to his wounds. Boris, a Soviet immigrant, is described as a loving and devoted father.

A fundraising campaign was established by his niece, who described the family's mourning over his "sudden and violent" death. "Our family is facing an unimaginable tragedy after the sudden loss of Boris Tetleroyd in the Bondi attack," his niece, Leia Roitour, said. "He was a loving husband and father, and his absence has left a void that words cannot express. My aunt is now navigating life as a widow, and my cousin is recovering in the hospital from injuries sustained during the attack."

Online social media profiles reveal Tetleroyd's passion for nature, where he documented wildlife encounters from his hiking excursions.

Reuven Morrison

Reuven Morrison was a businessman who escaped the Soviet Union as a teenager in the 1970s and built his life in Bondi. Following a 2024 terror attack on a Melbourne synagogue, he informed the ABC he had become constantly alert, and expected Australia would offer Jews security.

In an interview with ILTV, his daughter recounted her father's heroism, throwing bricks at one of the terrorists to try and stop him. "My dear father was shot dead for being Jewish," his daughter, Sheina, said in pain. "He had jumped up the second the shooting started. He managed to throw bricks, he was screaming at the terrorist, and protecting his community," she added. "If there was a way for him to go on this earth, it will be fighting a terrorist."

"Most beautiful, generous man who had a gorgeous smile that would light up the room. He built a life here in Australia for his family and was an active member and generous contributor to both Melbourne and Sydney Jewish communities," Rabbi Gabi Kaltman said.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, was the secretary at the Sydney Beth Din and chief operating officer of Chabad of Bondi. He died alongside Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi, who served as emcee that night. The two men had collaborated for years, and their wives had been close friends since high school, according to Chabad. They served the community together and were killed together.

"When something needed to get done, it was Yaakov," family friend Avremi Jospeh said. "From the big-ticket items to simply taking out the trash —he did it all with his full heart and soul... I used to ask him, 'What time do you come home for dinner?' He said, 'I come home at around 8 p.m. every night.' He was completely given over to the community."

Adam Smyth

Adam Smyth, 50, a father of four and devoted husband to Katrina, was killed in the devastating attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. The couple was walking along the beach when the shooting occurred.

Family members described their grief as beyond words, struggling to comprehend the tragic loss. They remembered Adam as someone who lived life to the fullest alongside Katrina, sharing a deep love for family, friends, travel, and sports, even when their team loyalties diverged.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Adam was a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC in the English Premier League, the Sydney Swans in the AFL, and the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL. He also cherished his pets deeply.

Those who knew him described Adam as a generous and kind-hearted individual whose presence was irreplaceable. His family closed their tribute with the famous words of the Liverpool anthem, "You'll never walk alone" (YNWA), reflecting both his love for the club and the enduring bond they shared with him.

The list will be updated as more names are released.

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Video: The Gurmans fight the terrorist / Credit: Social media/X

Family members confirmed Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, as the individuals after providing a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald. Relatives stated: "We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia Gurman," according to The Guardian.

They added: "They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia's 62nd birthday on Wednesday 17th of December," The Guardian reported.

Dashboard camera video uploaded to Rednote documented Boris – dressed in purple – tackling shooter Sajid Akram along Campbell Parade as the gunman exited a vehicle displaying an Islamic State banner, according to The Guardian.

These were Boris and Sofia Gurman - murdered in the Sydney massacre. In the face of terror, Boris showed extraordinary courage and disarmed one of the jihadists, trying to save others.

In life and in death, they were not separated pic.twitter.com/Fhbw2BoNsf

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) December 16, 2025

The footage captures Boris forcing Akram down and wresting a firearm from his possession while Sofia participated in the struggle, The Guardian reported.

A Sydney resident whose camera inadvertently recorded the encounter shared the material with a Mandarin caption stating: "Such civilian heroes shouldn't be forgotten," according to The Guardian. Her post continued: "I'm truly heartbroken," The Guardian reported.

Later drone imagery shows the couple lying motionless side by side on the sidewalk. Family members characterized Boris as "a retired mechanic, known for his generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community," The Guardian reported.

The statement continued: "Bondi locals, together they lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect. Boris and Sofia were devoted to their family and to each other. They were the heart of our family, and their absence has left an immeasurable void," according to The Guardian.

Relatives additionally praised the couple's valor when facing the attacker, The Guardian reported. "In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others," family members stated. They added: "While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were – people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others," The Guardian reported.

The statement concluded: "We are deeply grateful for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to our family during this unimaginable time. From here, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve," according to The Guardian.

The Gurmans number among 15 fatalities from the Bondi beach terror attack. Most casualties were participating in Hanukkah's opening day when gunfire began, representing Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996's Port Arthur tragedy, according to The Guardian.

Thirty-eight additional people sustained injuries, with 24 – including two officers – remaining hospitalized Tuesday afternoon, The Guardian reported.

Six Australia Post coworkers visited Bondi Pavilion Tuesday afternoon honoring Sofia, with one colleague declining identification while confirming years working together, according to The Guardian. All arrived uniformed, placing individual white roses and a card, The Guardian reported. One coworker stated: "It's very tragic and seeing this video made us realise just how brave she and her husband was," according to The Guardian.

Multiple bystanders have received widespread recognition for confronting danger attempting to halt the attackers. Among them is Ahmed al-Ahmed, acknowledged by prime minister Anthony Albanese and US president Donald Trump for charging toward Akram, jumping onto him and seizing the weapon, according to The Guardian.

Ahmed remains critically injured but stable at St George hospital after sustaining four to five shoulder gunshot wounds during the encounter, his parents confirmed to The Guardian. Reuven Morrison's daughter identified her father as the individual observed throwing an object in widely distributed footage, The Guardian reported.

Sheina Gutnick told CBS News Tuesday: "If there was one way for him to go on this earth, it would be fighting a terrorist. There was no other way he would be taken from us. He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved most," according to The Guardian. Authorities fatally shot Sajid Akram, while his son Naveed remains hospitalized under surveillance, The Guardian reported.

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A family member of the hero who risked his life to snatch the weapon from one of the gunmen spoke and revealed he was shot twice. In a conversation with Australian news network 7NEWS outside the hospital, Mostafa revealed that his cousin, 43-year-old Ahmed Al-Ahmed, is the one who likely saved many lives when he fought with the shooter.

Ahmed was shot twice during the struggle and is scheduled to undergo surgery Saturday night. Mostafa said his cousin, a father of two who owns a fruit shop in Sutherland, had no experience with firearms but simply acted when he decided to intervene. "He is in the hospital, and we don't know exactly what is happening inside. We hope he will be okay. He is a hero 100%," Mostafa said.

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Video: Member of the public overpowers terrorist / Credit: Social media

"A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Australian prime minister," Netanyahu said. "I said that their policy adds fuel to the antisemitic fire and encourages the Jew-hatred running rampant in Australia's streets. Antisemitism is a cancer, and it spreads when leaders are silent. They must replace weakness with strength. That did not happen in Australia, and something terrible occurred there today – cold-blooded murder. The death toll is unfortunately rising by the moment."

Netanyahu continued, "We saw the evil, and we saw Jewish heroism at its peak. On my way here, I watched a video of a Jewish man tackling one of the murderers, wrestling the weapon away, and saving who knows how many lives."

Breaking Exclusive by @SharriMarkson

Watch the video and read the letter sent by Netanyahu below.

A diplomatic row has erupted between Israel and Australia, and PM Netanyahu has sent a stinging letter to PM Albanese. In the letter he writes:

"I am concerned by the… pic.twitter.com/O6GIQL6khs

— Chaya's Clan (@ChayasClan) August 19, 2025

The Israeli leader's correspondence, leaked to Sky News Australia Australia and dated August 17, 2025, explicitly charges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with "pouring fuel on this antisemitic fire" via Palestinian state recognition advocacy. Netanyahu contends such diplomatic positioning "rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages" while actively "emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets." Netanyahu called Albanese a "weak politician."

The correspondence establishes September 23, 2025 – coinciding with the Jewish new year of Rosh Hashanah – as Netanyahu's deadline for transformative Australian action against antisemitic escalation, Sky News Australia confirmed. The Israeli premier demanded Albanese "replace weakness with action" and "appeasement with resolve" through concrete policy initiatives addressing the crisis.

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עוד גיבור היום! נהג מונית שבזמן הטבח בתוך האש כשכדורים שורקים מעליו לא מפקיר את הנוסעת המבוגרת שברכב שלו, ודואג לסייע לה לצאת מהרכב ולברוח תוך סיכון חייו!
מעשה ראוי מתוך גבורה! pic.twitter.com/KA27jhuAA9

— יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) September 8, 2025

The two terrorists were neutralized after they shot at a bus and a hitchhiking station at the junction.

Police raised the alert level throughout Jerusalem with emphasis on the crossings to Judea and Samaria. Many Border Police forces were deployed throughout the city and at checkpoints in Judea and Samaria. The fighters were instructed to increase inspections at the crossings. Undercover Border Police Jerusalem units were also rushed to the scene to close off the attack scene and locate suspects. Meanwhile, Highway 1 from the Arazim Tunnel eastward was blocked to traffic.

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A tragedy within a tragedy: Two weeks after the brutal terrorist attack in which Tze'elah Gez was murdered, the baby she was carrying, named Rabid Chaim before his brit milah so people could pray for his recovery, died Thursday morning.

The terrorist attack occurred two weeks ago, as Tze'elah and her husband, Hannanel, were driving from their home in the settlement of Bruchin to the hospital for the birth of their child. A terrorist opened fire on their vehicle, fatally wounding Tze'elah. Emergency responders made repeated attempts to resuscitate her at the scene and in hospital in a desperate bid to save the unborn baby.

Although doctors managed to revive the newborn shortly after delivery, his prospects were bleak from the beginning. Prolonged time without oxygen had caused severe and likely irreversible harm. For two weeks, medical teams fought to stabilize and improve his condition.

Last week, in an interview with Israel Hayom, Hannanel Gaz said his son was "between life and death." The family clung to hope, but by Thursday morning, doctors were forced to pronounce the infant's death, marking him as another victim of the brutal terrorist attack.

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The attack occurred around 10 p.m., when gunmen opened fire on several vehicles near a junction, striking the couple – parents of three children – who were rushing to the hospital for the birth of their fourth child. She was critically wounded while Hananel, who suffered light injuries, desperately tried to treat her wounds and stop the bleeding. Both were evacuated to the hospital where medical teams managed to deliver the baby, who remains in critical condition.

Video: The scene of the attack / Credit: MDA

IDF forces were immediately deployed to the area, including Israeli Air Force units, the elite Shaldag commando unit, Paratroopers Reconnaissance Battalion, Duvdevan special forces, and commando units in training. The manhunt is being led by Ephraim Brigade Commander Faiz Fares, who assumed his position just one day earlier. Simultaneously, security forces imposed a closure on the nearby village of Brukin and restricted movement in all western Samaria settlements and industrial zones in Barkan and Ariel.

Tragically, about a year ago, Gez, who worked as a motor therapist, expressed her feelings of vulnerability in a social media post, writing, "It's an unsafe period. The feeling that nowhere is protected, yet we continue to go out, work, live. What helps you leave home and not avoid going out?"

President Isaac Herzog shared his condolences, writing, "The murder of Tze'elah Gez, on her way to the delivery room, is a heinous act of terror that chills every heart. At the very moment of life – a life was cruelly taken. My heart is with the grieving family and with all her loved ones who are deeply shocked. We are all praying now for the well-being of the baby and for the recovery of her wounded husband Hananel. Terror will not defeat the Israeli spirit. We will pursue terror everywhere, and we will not rest. May her memory be blessed!"

Meital Ben Yosef, chairperson of the Bruchin committee, expressed the community's grief, saying, "Our hearts are broken. The entire Bruchin settlement is mourning and grieving the murder of our friend Tzalah in the deadly attack. We send our deepest condolences to the Gez family, and hope for a full recovery for the father of the family. Again we are forced to pay a bloody price for being Jews living in our land. But the blood of our brothers will not be abandoned – we will continue to build, to hold on to the land, and to increase the light and life here in Bruchin and in all parts of the country. On behalf of the residents of Bruchin, I ask everyone to pray for the recovery of the father and the baby and to promise – you will not remain alone. We are all with you."

In response to the attack, Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan cut short his diplomatic meetings at the US Senate in Washington and immediately began returning to Israel.

"A devoted, beloved, and cheerful woman, who only wanted to live a quiet life – and was murdered on her way to bring life. Jewish blood cannot be spilled like water," Dagan said after the attack. "This is a recurring attack site, and Israel's response cannot be limited to a press release. I demand that the security system operate in this area as they do in Geza – flatten the terror nests. We are not willing to return to October 6, and this pain is unbearable."

Dagan added, "The villages that repeatedly produce attackers cannot continue as usual. The fate of Brukin and Kafr al-Dik should be the same as Khan Yunis and Rafah. We can no longer rely on intelligence alone. This is a route from which four attacks have already emerged – this place needs to look like Jabaliya. Any normal country would not allow such an area to continue existing without a response – and we expect the senior command to change its approach. The settlement in Samaria will not break. We will continue to build, we will continue to hold onto our land – and we will settle Samaria, we will defeat terror."

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Two Israeli citizens were arrested on Friday on suspicion of aiding perpetrators responsible for an attempted coordinated attack in the Gush Dan region. Three explosive devices detonated Thursday night, and another was discovered before detonation in empty buses parked in the Bat Yam and Holon areas. Miraculously, there were no casualties in the incident. Security officials assess that the explosive devices originated from the West Bank.

According to the Dan bus company, in one instance a passenger alerted authorities about a suspicious object. The driver evacuated the bus, and minutes later the explosion occurred.

Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargarof said Thursday night that "The devices appeared improvised, with timers. They all looked similar. It appears to be consistent with devices from the territories. Currently, we have 5 scenes, 3 exploded and two being neutralized. A suspicious bag was located in Bat Yam and searches are ongoing. The incident occurred simultaneously at multiple locations. Remain vigilant when identifying suspicious individuals or objects."

Now, as mentioned, two Israeli citizens have been arrested on suspicion of aiding the attackers. The Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) is involved in the investigation. Other details of the case remain under a gag order.

Security is not investing resources to address illegal entry issue

Meanwhile, despite the escalation in attempted attacks originating from the West Bank, approximately 1,000 illegal entrants cross into Israel daily, with thousands more sleeping within Israeli territory and returning every few days.

The security barrier remains breached and the security system, stretched to its limits, is not investing the appropriate and necessary resources to address the problem.

There are quite a few Israelis who transport illegal entrants, and it's possible that in this case they transported the attacker or attackers without being aware they were transporting perpetrators.

Before the war, Israel approved 104,000 Palestinians to work in Israel daily. Currently, only about 6,500 are working in Israel. Security officials have requested several times during the war to increase the number of workers in Israel to reduce rising unemployment in Palestinian Authority areas, which serves as fertile ground for terrorism. We recently revealed that the IDF Central Command commander requested to increase the number of workers in Israel by 15,000, but political leadership did not approve.

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A female pedestrian, approximately 80 years old, was moderately to seriously injured Monday after being hit by a truck on Ha'Histadrut Street in the city.  It was not immediately clear if this was a terrorist attack.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip and the continued escalation on the northern border. In October, two terrorists killed six people in Tel Aviv's light-rail platform in Jaffa in a shooting rampage. Since then there have been several attacks on Israelis in multiple locations.

This is a developing story

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A 12-year-old boy succumbed to his wounds Thursday following a shooting attack on a bus near the Beitar checkpoint in Judea and Samaria.

Yehoshua Aharon Tuvia Simha and his family were returning from a family celebration when they found themselves caught in gunfire from an attacker who fled the scene. Security forces launched a manhunt for the gunman who fled toward Bethlehem, setting up roadblocks in the area. The terrorist later gave himself up to the authorities.

The attacker fired 22 bullets at the bus Wednesday evening. Two others, men aged 25 and 40, were lightly wounded by shrapnel, and another woman was evacuated in moderate condition.

Beitar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein, who rushed to the scene, thanked security forces and demanded increased security measures for residents on the roads, particularly during traffic congestion at the checkpoint. The city's welfare department immediately began providing support to the families of the victims.

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