Bondi attack victim Eva Geller dies, aged 90

A 90-year-old woman shot in the Bondi terror attack has died, almost 11 months after the shooting, according to media reports.

Eva Geller was shot during the attack on December 14 last year. She was recently taken to hospital with an infection linked to her injuries, and had a stroke while receiving treatment there. She died on Thursday evening. Her death takes the number of people killed in the attack to 16.

Nefesh spiritual leader Rabbi Aron Moss told media on Friday afternoon how Geller had escaped the Holocaust as a child with her family before coming to Australia. She was a grandmother and great-grandmother, and had been in and out of Prince of Wales Hospital in recent weeks.

Rabbi Moss said Geller had been “strong and pretty healthy right up until the Bondi attack”.

“She was told after being shot that she will never walk again by the doctors. But sheer determination,” he said. “She attended High Holiday services at my synagogue a couple of months ago … she was there with a positive face and strong face. And it’s just devastating to think that she’s gone.

“She’ll be sorely missed, very fondly remembered, and we just pray that the family should have a lot of strength and comfort at this time.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was saddened to hear of Geller’s passing. “Almost a year on, the devastation of that awful day continues to cause pain for families and today we recognise that more than ever,” he said.

“We will never forget those whose lives were taken, those who were injured and the families who continue to carry that pain. We are wrapping our arms around Eva’s family, friends and the Jewish community at this very sad time.”

Member for Berowra Julian Leeser said in a statement on Friday, “Eva’s death is a reminder that the costs of the Bondi attack continue to accumulate eleven months later, and will be felt for a long time to come.

“This was an attack not only on Australia’s Jewish community but on all Australians who cherish the ability to live freely and in peace, regardless of where they come from or the god they worship. May Eva’s memory be a blessing.”

The Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors & Descendants (AAJHSD) said Geller had been living independently before the attack, but had spent much of the time since in hospital with wound infections and other complications. According to the association, her immediate cause of death was a stroke, but her family believes her death was ultimately a consequence of her injuries.

“There is a terrible and almost incomprehensible irony in the fact that Eva survived the Holocaust in Europe, only to be shot and fatally injured in a terrorist attack in Australia, some 80 years later,” AAJHSD president George Foster said.

“Eva’s death is a tragic reminder that the consequences of terrorism do not necessarily end on the day of an attack. Its effects can continue for months and years, particularly for those who have already endured the unimaginable trauma of the Holocaust.”

Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, in a post this afternoon, said he feels “terribly sad” to hear of Geller’s death.

Taylor wrote, “Almost 12 months on from the worst terrorist attack on our soil in our nation’s history, the tragedy has compounded with Eva succumbing to her wounds.

“We grieve for Eva’s family, and our thoughts are with Australia’s Jewish community, who will be devastated by this news.

“For far too long, hatred towards Jewish Australians was allowed to fester unchecked.”

Chabad of Bondi, in a social media tribute post also this afternoon, said “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Eva Geller.

“Eva was with us on the beach last Chanukah. After almost a year in and out of hospital, fighting to recover, she has passed away.

“We wish her family strength and comfort. May her memory be a blessing.”

The family has requested their privacy be respected during this difficult time.