An Israeli man hailed as a hero for his actions during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has been granted permanent residency in Australia while he continues to recover from serious gunshot wounds in hospital.
A Selfless Act of Bravery
Gefen Bitton was among the crowd celebrating Chanukah by the Sea on December 14 when gunmen opened fire. As hundreds fled, Bitton ran towards the danger. He stood alongside another hero, Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who ultimately disarmed one of the attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram.
For his courageous effort to confront the attacker, Bitton was shot face-on. He suffered three gunshot wounds and remains in intensive care, where friends report he makes small improvements daily and is awake more often.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack, allegedly carried out by Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, resulted in dozens of injuries and 15 tragic deaths, including 10-year-old Matilda. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police during the incident. His son, Naveed, was hospitalised and is now being held in Goulburn Supermax prison, facing 50 offences including 15 counts of murder.
Bitton's friend, Cayli Barr, who set up a GoFundMe page that has raised over $724,000 for his medical and rehabilitation costs, described his actions. "Gefen had escaped, he was safe, but when he saw the terrorist he ran into the line of fire to help," Ms Barr said. "He made the decision to put himself at risk to save the lives of others."
A New Future in Australia
While Bitton fights his way to recovery, The Daily Mail reports he has been granted permanent residency. This status will provide him access to Medicare and the right to live and work in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs, when contacted by NewsWire, declined to comment on individual cases, not confirming the specifics of the residency grant.
Bitton's story emerged after friends desperately searched for him following the attack. One friend received a call from Bitton's sister in Israel saying, "My brother just called. He said he's been shot twice, and then he hung up." After checking multiple hospitals, they found him in surgery. He was later identified in a video as the man in the red shirt standing with Ahmad al Ahmad.
Ms Barr paid tribute to her friend's character, stating, "Gefen – an unarmed Israeli civilian, living in peace in Australia – made a decision most of us couldn't even think of. He ran into the face of danger like only a hero does." His long road to rehabilitation continues, but his future in the country he helped defend is now secure.
