EVA GELLER DIES IN SYDNEY HOSPITAL AFTER BONDI BEACH SHOOTING

Eva Geller, who suffered gunshot injuries during the Bondi Beach attack last December, died in a Sydney hospital on Thursday night, Rabbi Aron Moss confirmed. Two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Moss, from the Nefesh Synagogue, said Geller had needed repeated hospital treatment for her injuries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences to her family, friends and the Jewish community.

Geller escaped the Holocaust as a child before moving to Australia, where she built a family, Moss said. He said she regained the ability to walk after doctors told her she would never walk again. Geller attended the Nefesh Synagogue during the High Holidays, according to Moss. He described her as “positive, loving, and strong throughout her life, right until the end”.

Police killed Sajid Akram at the scene, while his son Naveed Akram survived gunshot wounds and now faces charges. Those charges comprise 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. Court documents allege the men threw improvised explosive devices towards the crowd before opening fire, but the devices did not explode. New South Wales Police said officers were awaiting further advice and working with the coroner’s office following Geller’s death. Police have announced no additional charge in connection with her death.