Leibel Lazaroff, the 20-year-old son of Chabad Shluchim Rabbi Yossi and Manya Lazaroff, Directors of Chabad at Texas A & M University, has been awarded the highest civic honor by Sydney’s Waverley Council, a “Key to the City”, in recognition of his heroism,.
Lazaroff was attending the Chanukah by the Sea event in Bondi when terrorists opened fire, killing 15 people and injuring 40. As others ran for cover, Leibel ran toward the sound of shots to help a critically injured police officer, tearing the shirt off his back to help stem the officer’s bleeding. Leibel was shot in the thigh and abdomen, underwent 11 surgeries and remained hospitalized for six weeks.
Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff addressed city officials and residents, framing the moment as something far larger than a single act of bravery. “This moment represents resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit over fear. It is a declaration that life, dignity, and goodness will always prevail.”
Speaking after the ordeal, Leibel Lazaroff said his focus since regaining consciousness has been on spreading light and goodness. Manya Lazaroff said, “this story carries a message for people everywhere: you never know when you’ll be called upon to do something good.”
Adapted from COLlive
