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 serious gunshot wounds in hospital.
A Selfless Act in the Face of Terror
Gefen Bitton was among the crowd celebrating Chanukah by the Sea at Bondi Beach on December 14 when gunmen Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire. As hundreds fled in panic, Bitton made a split-second decision to run towards the danger. He stood alongside another hero, Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who ultimately disarmed one of the attackers.
In the terrifying confrontation, Bitton was shot at point-blank range. He suffered three gunshot wounds and fell to the ground, where he was shot again. The attack left 15 people dead, including 10-year-old Matilda, and dozens injured. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police, while his son Naveed was hospitalised and is now held in Goulburn Supermax prison, facing 50 offences including 15 counts of murder.
Recognition and Recovery
As Bitton fights his way back to health in intensive care, making small improvements each day, the Australian government has recognised his extraordinary bravery. The Daily Mail reports he has been granted permanent residency, a move that will grant him access to Medicare and the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely. The Department of Home Affairs, when contacted by NewsWire, declined to comment on individual cases, in line with standard policy.
His friend, Cayli Barr, who set up a GoFundMe page that has raised over $724,000 for his medical and rehabilitation costs, described Bitton's 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."
The Long Road Ahead
The aftermath of the attack was one of chaos and desperate searching for loved ones. After the shooting began, Bitton was separated from his friend. His sister in Israel received a harrowing call from her brother, who simply said, "I've been shot twice," before the line went dead. Friends scoured hospitals before finally locating him in surgery, fighting severe injuries.
Ms Barr paid tribute to her "beautiful friend," 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." The significant funds raised by the community will support what is expected to be a long and challenging road to recovery for the selfless hero who confronted terror on an Australian beach.
