In a devastating terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives, three civilians are being recognized for their extraordinary bravery in confronting armed assailants during Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. Boris and Sofia Gurman, a Russian-Jewish couple in their sixties, were captured on dashcam footage physically engaging one gunman as he exited his vehicle, ultimately sacrificing their lives while attempting to disarm the attacker.
The verified footage shows Mr. Gurman, wearing a lavender shirt and shorts, wrestling for control of a long-barrelled weapon with one assailant before both collapse behind a silver hatchback. Subsequent drone imagery reveals the couple lying motionless near the pedestrian bridge where police later neutralized the attackers. The couple’s family expressed overwhelming pride in their ‘bravery and selflessness’ despite the profound grief of their loss.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese identified the Gurmans among the victims of what authorities describe as an Islamic State-inspired terrorism act targeting the Jewish community. Officials allege a father-son duo perpetrated the attack during a Jewish holiday event.
In a parallel act of courage, 62-year-old Reuven Morrison also lost his life after confronting the attackers. His daughter reported that Morrison immediately began throwing bricks and shouting at the assailant to protect his community. Social media footage corroborates his attempts to disrupt the violence before being fatally shot.
The attack also produced another hero: Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim father of two, who successfully disarmed one gunman from behind despite sustaining gunshot wounds. His actions sparked an outpouring of public support, with donations for his medical recovery exceeding A$2.4 million. Ahmed remains hospitalized while the nation processes this tragedy that has united Australians across religious and ethnic divides.