90-year-old Holocaust survivor injured in Bondi Beach shooting dies nearly a year later

90-year-old Holocaust survivor injured in Bondi Beach shooting dies nearly a year later Eva Geller was among dozens wounded in the December 2025 attack - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A 90-year-old woman who was seriously injured during the Bondi Beach shooting last year has died in hospital, authorities said on Friday. Eva Geller was among dozens of people wounded when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a Jewish holiday celebration at the Sydney beach on 14 December last year. Geller, a Holocaust survivor, had since been “in and out of hospital” as a result of her injuries, public broadcaster ABC reported. Rabbi Aron Moss from the Nefesh Synagogue said Geller had remained “positive, loving, and strong throughout her life, right until the end”. She died in a Sydney hospital overnight. Police said in a statement they were aware of the death. “Police are now awaiting further advice and are working with the office of the coroner,” New South Wales police said. A total of 15 people were killed in the mass shooting. The massacre was Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in almost three decades and prompted sweeping changes to gun laws and measures to tackle antisemitism. Police say the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, were inspired by Islamic State. Police shot dead Sajid Akram at the scene, while Naveed Akram, who was also shot but survived, is currently facing charges including 15 counts of murder and a terror offence. A government-backed inquiry into antisemitism called in the wake of the attack is also due to hand down its findings on December 18. Prime minister Anthony Albanese said he was saddened to hear of Geller’s death. “Almost a year on, the devastation of that awful day continues to cause pain for families and today we recognise that more than ever. “We are wrapping our arms around Eva’s family, friends and the Jewish community at this very sad time.” Rabbi Moss said that Geller “escaped the Holocaust as a child, eventually coming to Australia, and built a beautiful family”. He said: “Ever since being shot at the Bondi attack she’d been in and out of hospital, always wanting to come home. She was told she will never walk again but miraculously and with incredible determination she did walk again.” Geller’s funeral was scheduled to take place next week, ABC reported. Recently, it was reported that heavily armed police officers carrying assault rifles have begun patrolling Sydney’s streets in an unprecedented security operation introduced in the wake of last December’s deadly Bondi Beach shooting. The Armed Response Command (ARC), which officially began operations on Sunday, will deploy specially trained officers across tourist hotspots, crowded public spaces, sporting venues, major events and places of worship in New South Wales (NSW). Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments