Community rewards Rabbi's selfless act during Bondi terror attack

Monday, 2 February 2026 16:55

A young Texan rabbi is set to receive a key to the city for his heroic act during the Bondi Beach terror attack.

A young Texan rabbi will receive a local honour for his heroism while responding to the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, 20, had rushed to help a wounded police officer when he was shot in the abdomen and thigh during the assault on the Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Bondi's Archer Park on December 14.

A total of 15 innocent people were killed and dozens more were injured as the two gunmen opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the park.

Lazaroff was shot in the abdomen and thigh while volunteering at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Bondi's Archer Park on December 14.

The 20-year-old will be honoured for his bravery and selflessness at a Waverley Council ceremony tomorrow, where he will be given a key to the city and a special lifetime beach parking permit.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the gesture would be a symbol of the community's "never-ending gratitude".

"Rabbi Lazaroff was assisting the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger at the Chanukah event, when he rushed to help critically wounded NSW Police Constable Scott Dyson, using his own shirt to stem the bleeding," Nemesh said.

"While he was bravely helping the officer, Leibel himself was shot and seriously injured."

Waverley councillors voted unanimously to honour Lazaroff's courage.

Lazaroff had arrived in Sydney in September to learn from fellow Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who coordinated the celebration.

Schlanger, 41, was shot dead in the massacre.

Ahmed al Ahmed and Gefen Bitton will also be presented with keys to the city and lifetime Waverley beach passes.

Al Ahmed, 43, wrestled a gun from one of the alleged shooters as attendees at the Chanukah by the Sea event were being targeted, slowing down the attack and saving lives, while 30-year-old Bitton ran to his side to help.

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