Holocaust survivor dies almost a year after being shot in Australia Hanukkah massacre

90-year-old Holocaust survivor dies almost a year after being shot in the Australia Hanukkah massacre Advertisement Updated: 5:10 AM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Associated Press 90-year-old Holocaust survivor dies almost a year after being shot in the Australia Hanukkah massacre Updated: 5:10 AM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor has died almost a year after she was wounded during the massacre of 15 people at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration , officials said Friday. Video above: Albanese sets out hate speech reforms in wake of Bondi Beach shooting Advertisement Romanian-born Eva Geller died Thursday night in a Sydney hospital, Executive Council of Australian Jewry director Evan Zlatkis said. She was one of around 40 people wounded when two gunmen allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group opened fire on a crowd at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14. Fifteen victims aged 10 to 87 died. One of the gunmen, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene. Rabbi says victim was 'strong and pretty healthy' before she was shot Rabbi Aron Moss said Geller had been “strong and pretty healthy right up until the Bondi attack where she was shot.” She had been admitted to the hospital several times in recent weeks due to surgery complications, Moss said. “She’s a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A beautiful, positive person who even in these difficult months maintained her positivity,” Moss said on the family’s behalf. “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 added. Accused gunman in Bondi Beach shooting charged with 15 counts of murder She walked with a cane following the leg wound, he said. The surviving alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, the 25-year-old son of the dead gunman, has been charged with 15 counts of murder, 43 of attempted murder and one of committing a terrorist act. He has yet to enter a plea. It was not yet clear whether Geller’s death would change the charges Akram faces. Police said in a statement they were awaiting advice from a state coroner, who would investigate the circumstances of her death. Akram is scheduled to appear in court next on Feb. 24, when prosecutors expect to finalize what charges will go to the New South Wales state Supreme Court for trial. 'Hero' bystander who wrestled gun from Bondi Beach attacker identified State government leader says death is ‘heartbreaking’ State Premier Chris Minns offered his condolences to Geller’s family. “After everything Geller endured, the news of her death is heartbreaking,” Minns said in a statement. “Almost a year on, we are still living with the pain and aftershock of that evil act. We will never forget Eva or any victim whose life was changed forever,” Minns added. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the devastation of the Bondi attack continued to cause pain for families. “Eva 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,” Albanese said in a statement, using a different spelling of Hanukkah. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks 19-year-old to become of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history Dramatic video: Mother rescues man drowning 'We brought him home': A WWII soldier killed 82 years ago has finally been laid to rest New video shows NTSB investigators recovering Learjet wreckage pieces from Florida crash crater