A 90-year-old woman shot during the Bondi Beach terror attack has died almost 12 months later.
Eva Geller was seriously injured during the shooting, which occurred at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach’s Archer Park on December 14, 2025.
Rabbi Aron Moss on Friday said she had been in and out of hospital since the attack due to significant injuries to her legs.
She died on Thursday night.
He said Ms Geller had just made it to her 90th birthday and had showed “incredible strength” and the will to live.
Rabbi Aron Moss says Ms Geller remained positive despite her injuries. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
“She was told after being shot that she will never walk again by the doctors,” he said.
“But through sheer determination, she she got back up and she did walk again.”
Rabbi Moss said Ms Geller was a Holocaust survivor and came to Australia from Hungary as a child with her mother and grandmother.
Her late husband was also a Holocaust survivor.
Rabbi Moss said Ms Geller remained smiling through all the health issues of the past year.
She had been mostly bedridden since the attack, Rabbi Moss said.
“Well, she’s been in and out of hospital. She was in rehab,” he said.
“She just never really recovered and it was a couple of weeks ago she ended up in the Prince of Wales [hospital] and that was the end.”
In a statement, a NSW Police spokesperson said they were aware of the woman’s death.
“NSW Police are now awaiting further advice and are working with the office of the Coroner,” they said.
Political leaders pay tribute
Premier Chris Minns said the news of her death was “heartbreaking”.
“My thoughts are with Eva’s family and the Jewish community as they face another painful loss,” he 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.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ms Geller should have been able to celebrate Chanukah in peace and safety.
“Instead, her life was changed forever by an act of terror and antisemitism,” he said.
“We will never forget those whose lives were taken, those who were injured and the families who continue to carry that pain.
“We are wrapping our arms around Eva’s family, friends and the Jewish community at this very sad time.”
Leader of the NSW Opposition Kellie Sloane said Ms Geller’s death was a reminder of the ongoing pain that remained for people affected by the attack.
“We must continue to support the Jewish community, first responders and all victims,” she said.
“On behalf of the Liberals and Nationals, and the entire Vaucluse community, I extend my deepest condolences to Eva’s family, friends and the Jewish community.”
The death toll from the terror attack has since risen to 16. (ABC News: Monish Nand)
Fifteen people, including 10-year-old Matilda, were killed when two gunmen opened fire at the Jewish festival.
The two gunmen were shot within seven minutes of the incident starting.
Shooter Naveed Akram remains before the courts charged with terrorism and murder offences, while his father Sajid Akram was shot dead at the scene.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, called in the wake of the attack, heard from more than 340 witnesses over 62 days.
Headed by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, she was directed to make recommendations on how to strengthen social cohesion and counter the spread of ideological and religiously motivated extremism.
Commissioner Bell is expected to deliver her final report on December 18, instead of four days prior to avoid distracting from terror attack memorial events.
A funeral and memorial service is due to be held on Monday for Ms Geller.
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Source: www.abc.net.au
