Retired mechanic and wife died trying to stop Bondi gunman
Families are holding the first funerals for loved ones killed in the Bondi Beach shootings as new details are revealed about a heroic couple who tried to stop one of the gunmen.
Source: X
Families of Bondi shooting victims have spoken about their loved ones’ heroics in the face of death and the unfathomable pain of losing them.
The first funerals will be held on Wednesday for Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan.
It comes as husband and wife, Boris and Sophia Gurman, were named as the couple who died trying to stop one of the Bondi gunmen.
Boris, 69, a retired mechanic, is seen in a dashcam video tackling shooter Sajid Akram and grabbing a firearm away from him near the footbridge from where the attack was staged.
His wife Sophia, 61, an Australia Post worker, is nearby, backing her husband in his brave endeavour.
After momentarily disarming the shooter, they were ultimately killed.
Boris and Sophia Gurman died alongside each other. Photo: Supplied
Their family issued a statement saying that while their pain was huge, they felt an “overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness”.
“This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were — people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”
The Gurmans, a Jewish couple, had been married for 34 years.
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“Boris was a retired mechanic, known for his generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need,” their family said.
“Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community.
“Bondi locals, together they lived honest, hard-working lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect.
“Boris and Sofia were devoted to their family and to each other. They were the heart of our family, and their absence has left an immeasurable void.”
Reuven Morrison faced danger and lost his life.
In another brave story, the daughter of Bondi victim Reuven Morrison has told about her father’s heroics.
As the hail of bullets rang out, cutting down innocent men, women and children, Morrison fought with the only weapon he could find — a brick.
Footage shows him running at the gunmen – without cover – before hurling the makeshift weapon at them. It cost his life.
Sheina Gutnick said her father was a hero who refused to cower to the heavily armed terrorists – instead defiantly running directly towards danger.
“If there was one way for him to go on this earth, it would be fighting a terrorist,” Gutnick told US broadcaster CBS.
“There was no other way he would be taken from us. He went down fighting, protecting the people he loved the most.”
“My father was murdered. In cold blood. Shot. For being Jewish,” she said.
The 62-year-old had fled the Soviet Union for Australia, becoming a “loud and proud Jew” in a community that welcomed him with open arms.
He carved out a new home, building a family and a business.
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“He put others before himself. It cost him his life,” Gutnick said.
“Ripped from his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and dear grandchildren. Leaving a gaping, heaving wound of sorrow.”
Matilda’s family has spoken for the first time of their grief. Photo: AAP
Late on Tuesday, the parents of the youngest shooting victim spoke for the first time about their unfathomable loss.
Michael and Valentyna were among a huge crowd that gathered late Tuesday to remember Matilda, who was only 10 years old.
Matilda’s Ukrainian immigrant parents came to Australia before Russia’s invasion.
“I didn’t expect to say anything, but I kind of end up here next to the microphone,” her tearful father said, before breaking down.
“We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist.
“Just remember – remember her name.”
His wife Valentyna continued: “I couldn’t imagine I would lose my daughter here.
“I can’t imagine what is a monster that stands on that bridge, and seeing a little girl running for her father to hide with him, and… and he just pulled the trigger on her.”
As the criminal investigation into the surviving gunman continues, some of those grieving are urging their religious rites for the dead be respected.
Chana Anzalak, whose father-in-law Tibor Weitzen also died in the bloodbath, begged for his remains to be released.
“In our religion, the biggest respect that we can give to our dead, to the deceased, is to bury them straight away,” Anzalak told Nine News at Bondi.
“Unfortunately, in this situation, we’re at a standstill, and we’re stuck. We can’t start the shiva (traditional morning).
“It’s been over 36 hours. This is extremely painful, and every minute and every hour that goes by is sacred.”
The federal government has offered support for victims’ funerals and any visitor visas for relatives wishing to visit Australia for those funerals.
State financial support will also be offered through the Victims Support Scheme, while trained disaster mental health support clinicians will be on the ground at Bondi in coming days to help the wider community manage trauma.
-with AAP
