Waverley community to give rabbi a key to the city after selfless Bondi act

Published: February 2, 2026

Daily London

Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, 20, had rushed to help a wounded police officer when he was shot in the abdomen and thigh during the assault on the Chanukah by the Sea celebration at Bondi’s Archer Park on December 14.

Leibel Lazaroff was shot in the abdomen and thigh during the Bondi attack. (Instagram)

The 20-year-old will be honoured for his bravery and selflessness at a Waverley Council ceremony tomorrow, where he will be given a key to the city and a special lifetime beach parking permit.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the gesture would be a symbol of the community’s “never-ending gratitude”.

“Rabbi Lazaroff was assisting the late Rabbi Eli Schlanger at the Chanukah event, when he rushed to help critically wounded NSW Police Constable Scott Dyson, using his own shirt to stem the bleeding,” Nemesh said.

“While he was bravely helping the officer, Leibel himself was shot and seriously injured.”

Leibel Leibel Lazaroff (left) and his father Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff. (Supplied)

Waverley councillors voted unanimously to honour Lazaroff’s courage.

Lazaroff had arrived in Sydney in September to learn from fellow Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who coordinated the celebration.

Schlanger, 41, was shot dead in the massacre.

Ahmed al Ahmed and Gefen Bitton will also be presented with keys to the city and lifetime Waverley beach passes.

Al Ahmed, 43, wrestled a gun from one of the alleged shooters as attendees at the Chanukah by the Sea event were being targeted, slowing down the attack and saving lives, while 30-year-old Bitton ran to his side to help.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.