Rabbi who rushed toward Bondi Beach terror, saved wounded officer, speaks out after 8 surgeries

Speaking from his hospital bed, Lazaroff says he feels a responsibility to share what happened not only to honor those who were lost but also to highlight the courage and miracles that emerged amid the horror.

By Eitan Devir, Jewish Breaking News

When terror erupted during a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, most people ran for safety.

Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff ran toward the danger.

Lazaroff, a young rabbi from Texas who was in Australia at the time, is now sharing his extraordinary story of courage, survival, and faith after being critically wounded in what authorities have described as one of the deadliest terror attacks in Australia’s history.

As shots rang out and panic spread, Lazaroff noticed a police officer who had been gravely wounded.

Without hesitation, he tore the shirt off his own back and used it as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding placing himself directly in harm’s way to save the officer’s life.

As the terrorist continued advancing, he found himself face-to-face with the attacker.

His Rabbi, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, shouted for the cop to shoot the advancing terrorist but the cop was not responsive.

Trained, licensed, and familiar with firearms, Lazaroff begged the wounded cop for his gun, believing he could stop the threat before more lives were lost.

But it was not to be, the cop did not hand over his firearm and Lazaroff was shot.

During the same attack, Lazaroff’s mentor, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered. Schlanger, remembered as a devoted community leader and teacher, was killed tending to his community.

Lazaroff survived but his injuries were severe.

He has since undergone eight surgeries and continues a long and painful recovery.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Lazaroff says he feels a responsibility to share what happened not only to honor those who were lost but also to highlight the courage and miracles that emerged amid the horror.

The episode also features an emotional conversation with Lazaroff’s mother in the United States, who describes the agonizing moment she learned her son had been caught in a terror attack halfway across the world.

She shares a message she believes is vital for parents and children alike during a time when Jews are increasingly being targeted simply for who they are.

Lazaroff says he hopes his story serves as a reminder that even in humanity’s darkest moments, there are still people willing to run toward danger to save others and his message is remarkable.