Bondi Terror Attack Survivor Eva Geller Dies Nearly One Year Later
Holocaust survivor Eva Geller passes away following injuries sustained in the December 2025 shooting.
1Survivor Passes Away
Eva Geller, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor, died in a Sydney hospital on Thursday night. She had been battling severe leg injuries sustained during the December 14, 2025, terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach. Her death brings the total toll of the tragic incident to 16 lives lost.
2Resilience Amidst Trauma
Rabbi Aron Moss noted that Geller remained positive despite being in and out of hospitals since the shooting. Although doctors initially told her she would never walk again, she displayed incredible determination and regained her mobility. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday before her condition deteriorated at Prince of Wales Hospital.
3Historical Background
Geller arrived in Australia from Hungary as a child, escaping the Holocaust with her mother and grandmother. Her late husband was also a survivor of the Holocaust. Her life was defined by overcoming early trauma, only to be tragically impacted by the antisemitic violence that occurred at the Bondi Beach festival.
4The Terror Incident
The attack involved two gunmen, Sajid and Naveed Akram, who targeted a Jewish holiday event at Archer Park. The perpetrators threw unexploded homemade devices before opening fire. Police neutralized the shooters within seven minutes. Sajid Akram died at the scene, while Naveed Akram remains in custody facing terrorism and murder charges.
5Official Responses
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Geller should have been able to celebrate Chanukah in safety, condemning the act as terrorism and antisemitism. NSW Premier Chris Minns described her death as heartbreaking, emphasizing that the community continues to live with the pain and aftershocks of the event nearly one year later.
6Legal and Social Impact
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, led by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, was established following the attack. The commission heard from over 340 witnesses across 62 days. Commissioner Bell is scheduled to deliver her final report on December 18, following the memorial events for the victims.
7Ongoing Investigations
NSW Police confirmed they are aware of Geller's passing and are currently working with the office of the Coroner to provide further advice. The legal proceedings against the surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, are ongoing, though the case has not yet been heard in full since his initial court appearance in February.
8Community Remembrance
A funeral and memorial service for Geller is scheduled for Monday. Her death serves as a somber reminder of the enduring impact on the Jewish community and first responders. Leaders continue to call for support for all victims as the nation reflects on the tragedy that changed many lives forever.