When terrorists opened fire on Bondi Beach, it was not police officers who immediately sprang into action, but four locals. Three of them gave their lives protecting others.
Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia, 61, members of the local Russian Jewish community, confronted the attackers as they arrived on the scene in a car draped in a homemade ISIS flag. Witnesses say Boris jumped on one of the terrorists, fighting with him on the ground and wrestling the gun away before the attacker grabbed another weapon and shot the couple. The first of the fifteen victims, Boris and Sofia would have been celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary next month. They are survived by their son Alex.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a Syrian immigrant who was eating lunch with friends in the area, bravely leapt on and disarmed one of the attackers. Al-Ahmed, a father of two and owner of a local fruit shop, was shot and underwent surgery, and though he remains in the hospital, he is expected to recover from his wounds.
Reuven Morrison, a 62-year-old Lubavitcher, also confronted the terrorists, running towards them and throwing bricks, distracting them while others fled before he was killed. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.
There have been several verified fundraisers for the injured and the families of the victims. To contribute, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/en-au/c/act/bondi-beach-shooting-fundraisers