A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor who was wounded in a deadly attack at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration has died, officials announced Friday.
Eva Geller died Thursday night in a Sydney hospital, according to Evan Zlatkis, director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. She was among approximately 40 people injured when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd at Bondi Beach on December 14, an incident that claimed the lives of 15 people aged 10 to 87. One of the alleged assailants, Sajid Akram, was killed by police at the scene.
Rabbi Aron Moss, speaking on behalf of Geller's family, described her as a resilient individual who maintained her positivity despite her injuries. He noted that doctors initially told her she would never walk again, but through determination, she regained her mobility, albeit with the assistance of a cane.
"She was told after being shot that she will never walk again by the doctors. But through sheer determination, she got back up and she did walk again," Moss said.
The surviving alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, 25, the son of Sajid Akram, faces charges including 15 counts of murder and 43 counts of attempted murder. He is also charged with committing a terrorist act. He has not yet entered a plea. It remains unclear if Geller's death will affect the charges against him.
Police have stated they are awaiting guidance from a state coroner, who will investigate the circumstances surrounding Geller's death. Naveed Akram is scheduled to appear in court on February 24, when prosecutors anticipate finalizing the charges to be presented to the New South Wales state Supreme Court for trial.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences, calling the news of Geller's death "heartbreaking" and acknowledging the ongoing pain caused by the attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also extended his sympathies, stating that Geller "should have been able to celebrate Chanukah (Hanukkah) in peace and safety and instead, her life was changed forever by an act of terror and antisemitism."