An Israeli man hailed as a hero for running towards a gunman during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has been granted permanent residency in Australia while he continues to recover from his injuries in hospital.
A Selfless Act of Bravery
Gefen Bitton was among the crowd celebrating Chanukah by the Sea on December 14 when gunfire erupted. As hundreds fled, Bitton made the split-second decision to run towards the danger. He stood alongside fellow hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who ultimately disarmed one of the attackers, 50-year-old Sajid Akram.
For his courageous effort, Bitton was shot at close range. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where he remains in intensive care. His condition is slowly improving, and he is now awake for longer periods each day.
Permanent Residency Granted During Recovery
In a significant development, it has been reported that the Australian government has granted Bitton permanent residency as he recovers. This status will provide him access to Medicare and the right to live and work in Australia permanently.
While the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on individual cases when contacted, the move is widely seen as a recognition of his extraordinary bravery. The attack, which targeted the Jewish community, resulted in 15 fatalities, including 10-year-old Matilda, and left dozens injured.
Community Support and a Long Road Ahead
The community has rallied behind Bitton. A GoFundMe page organised by his friend, Cayli Barr, has raised more than $724,000 to support his extensive medical expenses and the long rehabilitation journey he faces.
"Gefen had escaped, he was safe, but when he saw the terrorist he ran into the line of fire to help," Ms Barr said. She described him as an unarmed civilian who acted on the values he was raised with, making a decision most could not even contemplate.
Bitton's friends initially struggled to locate him after the attack, searching multiple hospitals before finding him in surgery. He was later identified in video footage as the man in the red shirt alongside Ahmed Al-Ahmed.
Meanwhile, the alleged attacker, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, is now facing 50 offences, including 15 counts of murder, and is being held in Goulburn's Supermax prison.
