Bondi Beach Attack: Eva Geller Dies After Year-Long Hospitalisation

Eva Geller, a 90-year-old woman who was shot during the Bondi Beach terror attack, has died in hospital almost 12 months after the massacre.

According to a senior Jewish community source, Geller had been in and out of hospital this year while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack on 14 December.

She had recently returned to hospital after developing an infection and died after suffering a stroke, the source said.

Her funeral was scheduled to take place on Monday. A family spokesperson requested privacy during this difficult time.

In a statement on Friday, New South Wales police said they were aware of Geller’s death.

A police spokesperson said they were awaiting further advice and were working with the office of the coroner.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday he was saddened to hear of Geller’s death, saying: “Her life was changed forever by an act of terror and antisemitism.”

He added: “We are wrapping our arms around Eva’s family, friends and the Jewish community at this very sad time.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the news of Geller’s 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.

The New South Wales opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, whose Vaucluse electorate takes in Bondi beach, said the death was “a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing pain that remains for many people from last year’s terror attack”.

“We must continue to support the Jewish community, first responders and all victims.”

Fifteen people died after Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire at the Hanukkah festival at Bondi beach on 14 December last year. Forty people were injured.

Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene. Naveed has been charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act that investigators allege may have been inspired by Isis. He remains before the courts.

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