Gefen Bitton, who raced to help Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed, in ICU

An Israeli civilian who rushed towards gunfire during Sunday’s Bondi Beach attack is in intensive care, while authorities in New South Wales (NSW) are preparing legislation to ban “hateful symbols” and broaden police powers.

Bondi Attack Hero in ICU

The man, identified as Gaber Bitton, “put his own life at risk with his selfless actions,” according to a family statement. He was shot after running towards the danger during the attack. “He ran into the face of danger like only a hero does,” the statement continued.

Friend Cay Barr said a GoFundMe campaign has been created for Bitton, whom she described as “an absolute hero who deserves recognition.” Barr said Bitton is currently in the ICU after multiple surgeries and faces a long recovery.

New NSW Legislation Proposed

NSW Premier Chris Minns announced new legislation Saturday to ban “hateful symbols,” such as flags associated with Islamic State (IS), and grant police increased authority to remove face coverings at protests and public gatherings.

Minns stated the legislation will specifically outlaw the public display of terrorist symbols, including those of banned terrorist organizations. He also intends to classify the phrase “globalise the intifada” as hate speech.

The NSW Parliament will be recalled Monday to consider the proposed legislation. The Attorney General will also request a swift investigation by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety to identify additional hateful statements for inclusion in the state’s hate speech laws, to be introduced next year.

Lifesavers Honour Victims

Hundreds of surf lifesavers gathered on Bondi Beach Saturday for a moment of silence to honour the 15 people killed in Sunday’s terrorist attack.

Many of the lifesavers were first responders, assisting the wounded and providing initial care alongside off-duty doctors and paramedics. The honour guard stretched along the shoreline during a three-minute silence.

Chris Cooper, a 27-year-old surf lifesaver who was among the first on the scene, said he ran into the playground area where the Hanukkah by the Sea event was taking place after the gunfire slowed. He then retrieved first aid equipment.

“I’ve been in Surf Life Saving since I was like five years old, and I’ve never seen this kind of a community strength than here,” Cooper said.