Boris and Sofia Gurman
Boris and Sofia Gurman
Boris Gurman (1956–2025) and Sofia Gurman (1964–2025) were an Australian married couple who were killed during the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, New South Wales, on 14 December 2025. The couple received posthumous recognition for attempting to stop one of the gunmen during the early stages of the attack.[1]
Contents
Background
Boris Gurman, aged 69, was a retired mechanic known for his generosity and willingness to help others, while his wife Sofia Gurman, aged 61, worked for Australia Post and was described by colleagues as deeply valued within her workplace and community.[2]
The Russian-Jewish couple lived in [[Bondi)) and had one adult son. They had been married for 34 years and were approaching their 35th wedding anniversary, scheduled for January 2026. The family had also been preparing to celebrate Sofia Gurman’s 62nd birthday days after the attack.[3]
2025 Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre
On the evening of 14 December 2025, two Islamist-fascists gunmen, father and son opened fire at Bondi Beach during a Chanukah by the Sea gathering, targeting Jews, murdering at least 16 people and injuring dozens more in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.[4]
Dashcam footage later circulated on social media showed Boris and Sofia Gurman confronting and physically tackling one of the attackers, Sajid Akram, as he exited a vehicle displaying an [ISIS|Islamic State]] flag.[5] Boris was seen forcing the gunman to the ground and attempting to disarm him, while Sofia assisted in the struggle. Both were fatally shot during the confrontation.[1]
Public response and legacy
The dashcam footage of the couple’s actions went viral, prompting widespread tributes across Australia and internationally. A Sydney resident whose vehicle recorded the incident stated that their heroism “shouldn’t be forgotten.”[2]
In a public statement, the Gurman family said: “While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were—people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”[3]
A fundraiser established to support the couple’s son raised more than AUD $100,000 within days of the attack.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Latoya Gayle, “Couple Tackled Bondi Beach Gunmen Before Being Fatally Shot,” People, December 16, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 “Dashcam footage reveals Sydney couple’s heroic fight with terrorist,” The Guardian, December 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Statement from the Gurman family, via The Sydney Morning Herald, December 2025.
- ↑ New South Wales Police media release, December 14, 2025.
- ↑ Erez Linn, “Dashcam footage reveals Sydney couple’s heroic fight with terrorist,” Israel Hayom, December 16, 2025.
