A couple who attempted to thwart a mass shooting were remembered as martyrs as funerals continued for victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Boris and Sofia Gurman, who died while confronting a gunman during Hanukkah celebrations, were among those honored Friday at the Sydney Chevra Kadisha funeral home.
Couple Hailed as Heroes in Bondi Attack
Boris and Sofia Gurman were the first of 15 people killed when two men opened fire on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach, according to reports. Dashcam footage showed Boris Gurman wrestling a weapon away from Sajid Akram before the gunman’s son emerged with his own firearm.
The couple, married for 34 years, were long-time Bondi locals remembered for their kindness, strength, and care for others. Boris, 69, a retired mechanic, was known for his abundant garden, sharing lemons, chillies, and bunches of up to 50 bananas with family. Sofia, 61, an Australia Post worker, was a family leader who expressed her love through cooking, particularly her traditional Soviet wafer cake, which was only made once a year.
The Gurmans met in the USSR before immigrating to Sydney to start a new life. According to Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, they “were often genuinely perplexed when people spoke about travelling overseas, wondering why you’d ever leave when paradise was right at your front door.”
The couple were among four members of the public who fought the two Bondi gunmen. Ahmed Al Ahmed survived after wrestling a weapon from the older gunman. Reuven Morrison, 62, who threw a brick at one of the shooters, also died during the attack.
Rabbi Ulman has led funerals for other victims of the shooting, including 10-year-old Matilda and Rabbi Eli Schlanger. “Every single member of our community feels the pain of each other,” he said. “Yesterday we buried a 10-year-old girl and today … it’s been years since I’ve seen two coffins next to each other.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon attended the Gurmans’ funeral on Friday. The Gurmans were among five victims being buried Friday, following services for six others on Wednesday and Thursday.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
