Two survivors will share their stories

Bondi terror attack survivor Elon Zizer and an Israeli reservist identified as Major BD will share their stories at UIA Young Leadership events in Sydney and Melbourne this month.

In Sydney, a pre-Shabbat drinks event for those aged 20-30 will be held on Friday, November 6 at 4.30pm, followed by a dinner for those aged 30-40 on Sunday, November 8 at 6.30pm with former Miznon head chef Afik Gal.

The Melbourne event will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 7pm.

Zizer and Major BD, featured guests at both events, were both seriously wounded two years apart, one in Australia and one in Israel, and have since formed a bond through their recovery.

Zizer was severely injured while shielding his children during the Bondi terror attack on December 14 last year, and spent 10 days in a coma. The experience left him with a deeper appreciation for family, friendship and everyday moments. While the memory of the attack will stay with him, he has chosen to move forward with strength, gratitude and hope.

On October 7, Major BD’s reservist unit fought to reach Kibbutz Be’eri to help rescue families under attack. Two months later, during an operation inside Gaza, he was struck by grenade shrapnel, shot multiple times at close range and airlifted to hospital. He was unconscious for seven days and has undergone dozens of surgeries.

According to UIA, both men were injured in the same part of the shoulder and spent prolonged periods in comas, and both were living with the aftermath of having witnessed atrocities committed against the Jewish people.

After a UIA NSW executive member put them in contact, they formed a bond, each helping the other through their physical and emotional recovery.

Major BD lives with permanent physical injuries and PTSD, and has spoken about refusing to define himself as a victim. His focus has since shifted from military service to sharing his story, advocating for Israel and helping others understand the human cost of the war.

UIA Victoria Young Leadership co-chairs Caroline Sakinofsky and Carly Glasser said the connection between the two men captured the essence of arvut hadadit, or mutual responsibility.

“Both stories are individually extraordinary, but what makes this so powerful is the connection these two have formed through their shared experience. One was injured in Australia, one in Israel, but their healing reminds us that we are one people. We carry each other, wherever we are.”

UIA NSW Young Leadership co-chair Jaye Vernon said the events would explore “not only what each man endured, but how trauma, identity and community can create unexpected bonds across continents”.

Registrations are open at uiaaustralia.org.au/events