A respected rabbi, a Holocaust survivor, a married couple who perished while attempting to intervene, and a 10-year-old girl seeking refuge with her father are among the heartbreaking stories unfolding about the 15 victims of a tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia during a Hanukkah celebration.
While authorities have not officially disclosed the victims’ identities, some details have emerged through statements from family and friends. By the end of Monday, nine victims had been identified, with three more named on Tuesday.
Approximately 40 individuals were hospitalized, including two police officers and four children.
‘She’ll be so badly missed, she was just a ray of sunshine in her family,’ Daniel Collins, the uncle of 10-year-old Matilda, said. Matilda was one of 15 people killed after two shooters fired into a Hanukkah celebration at Australia’s most popular beach on Sunday.
Authorities state that the assault was carried out by a father and son, targeting victims aged between 10 and 87. The alleged 50-year-old gunman was fatally shot by police.
Here is the information currently available about the victims.
Boris and Sofia Gurman
Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, lost their lives while confronting one of the gunmen, as reported by multiple media sources.
A video circulating on social media purportedly shows the couple engaging with one of the attackers. While the footage is yet to be officially confirmed by CBC News, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has reportedly verified it with a family member.
The footage depicts Boris Gurman attempting to disarm one of the assailants on the roadside, with his wife in close proximity. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Boris managed to wrestle the gun from gunman Sajid Akram and even aimed it at him. However, Akram retaliated by seizing another rifle from him.
In a statement released to the media, the couple’s family acknowledged the footage showing Boris and Sofia courageously trying to disarm an attacker to protect others.
“Although nothing can ease the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we are immensely proud of their bravery and selflessness,” the statement expressed.
The couple was on the brink of celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary, as per the Guardian.