SYDNEY. – While Australia continues to be shocked Armed attack on Hanukkah event in Bondi Beachin Sydney, that worked at least 16 deadthe stories of the civilians who They stood in front of the Protect to try to save livesalso at your own expense. Their actions, recorded on video and reconstructed by witnesses, became one of the central axes of the story of one of the worst tragedies the country has suffered this century.
The attack was investigated in Australia a terrorist attack directed against the Jewish community, The perpetrator was a father and his son, one of whom was shot dead by police.
According to the latest information from the Australian authorities, these are the two suspected perpetrators of the attack They had traveled to the Philippines weeks before the attackin a shift that is currently being analyzed for possible links to extremist networks associated with the Islamic State (IS or ISIS, for its English acronym). During the operation after the attack, the police found the attacker in the vehicle improvised explosive devices And Homemade flags associated with ISIS.
But before the security forces managed to neutralize the attackers, Several passers-by decided not to flee and they rushed against the armed men.
One of the most dramatic episodes concerns a Couple identified as Boris and Sofía Gurman who was filmed confronting one of the attackers. Images from a surveillance camera verified by international media show a Older man fights with the shooter over a long gun while a woman accompanies him.
“In the last few days we have become aware of pictures that show Boris with Sofía at his side, brave attempt to disarm an attacker to protect others“The family said in a statement.
The man manages to stand up with the gun in his hand, but later video captured by a drone shows both motionless next to a vehiclenear a pedestrian bridge, where police later shot and killed one of the attackers. Authorities believe they were murdered after that confrontation.
“The man didn’t flee, he charged straight towards the danger and fought to the death to take the gun away.”said the owner of the camera that recorded the scene.
“Although nothing can ease the pain of the loss of Boris and Sofia, we are very proud of their courage and selflessness. “This sums up who Boris and Sofía were: people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others,” the family statement concluded.
Reuven Morrison62 years old, a member of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, born in the Soviet Union and living in Australia for five decades, was another protagonist of these stories.
According to his daughter Sheina Gutnick, his daughter Sheina Gutnick told CBS News, Morrison responded immediately when the shooting began.
“He flinched when the shooting began. He yelled at the terrorist, threw bricks and stepped in to protect his community.”he said in television interviews. Videos circulating on social networks show him chasing one of the attackers and throwing objects at him, seconds after another civilian managed to disarm him.
Morrison was shot in this attempt.. He died for his family “for doing exactly what he did”: defending others. “If there was a way for him to stay on this earth, it would be to fight a terrorist,” his daughter said.
Morrison’s daughter claims her father’s gesture encapsulates both heroism and tragedy. “He was murdered at a religious event because he was Jewish while trying to save lives.”he explained, claiming that the attack left a mark open wound in the security perception of the Jewish community in Australia.
The first civilian to make it directly interrupt the action of the handles Was Ahmed al-Ahmeda 43-year-old fruit seller, Muslim and father of two children. According to authorities’ reconstructions, Ahmed attacked one of the attackers from behind he managed to snatch the weapona key moment captured in several videos.
Ahmed suffered gunshot wounds and remains in hospital after surgery, but his intervention is considered crucial to avoid an even greater number of casualties. As a mark of appreciation, a solidarity campaign was organized to cover his recovery two million Australian dollars.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly highlighted those who “went into harm’s way to help others.” and assured that “His bravery saved lives”. But for the victims’ families, the recognition comes with a deep sense of loss and lack of protection.
Agencies Reuters and AFP
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