By Islam El-Sakka
A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who was shot during the Bondi Beach attack last December has died in a Sydney hospital, almost a year after the mass shooting.
Attack details
On 14 December, two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach, killing 15 people including a ten-year-old girl and injuring dozens. The attack was Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades.
Victim's life
Eva Geller, who escaped the Holocaust as a child and later settled in Australia, celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this year. Rabbi Aron Moss of the Nefesh Synagogue described her as positive, loving, and strong throughout her life. Despite being told she would never walk again after the shooting, she regained her ability to walk and attended High Holiday services.
Legal proceedings
One gunman, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, was arrested and charged with 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act. He remains before the courts. Police have not detailed whether further charges will follow Geller's death.
Official responses
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences, saying Australia would never forget those who continue to carry the pain of the attacks. The shootings prompted sweeping gun law reforms and a crackdown on hate speech. New South Wales police confirmed they are working with the coroner's office following Geller's death.
