Inspiring Jews from today: Boris and Sofia Gurman z"l
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Boris Gurman z"l (69) and his wife Sofia Gurman z"l (61) showed a form of heroism that is immediate, instinctive, and deeply human.
When the attack began at Bondi, they did not run.
Dashcam footage shows Boris stepping toward the gunman, attempting to tackle him and wrestle the weapon away. Sofia moved forward to help him, trying to pull the attacker off her husband. In those critical moments, their actions saved lives by slowing the attacker and drawing his attention away from others.
Their courage was raw, selfless, and profound.
Boris, a retired mechanic, was known for his quiet strength, generosity, and willingness to help neighbours. He was the kind of person who would always step in if someone needed assistance. Friends described him as dependable and steady, the type of man who acted without hesitation when others froze.
Sofia worked for Australia Post and was widely loved for her kindness, warmth, and gentle nature. She had been married to Boris for nearly 35 years, and the two were described by friends as inseparable, devoted couple who approached life as a team. In the final moments of their lives, that team instinct became an act of extraordinary bravery: Boris stepping forward to stop the attacker, Sofia stepping forward to defend her husband.
The depth of their courage reflects some of the most central Jewish values:protecting life, running toward danger to protect others, and standing up to violence even at great personal cost.
Their deaths are a devastating loss to the Bondi community, to their family, and to everyone who has learned their story. Yet their actions remain a powerful testament to what courage looks like in real life. It was immediate, instinctive, and driven by love and responsibility.
Boris and Sofia died as heroes. Their legacy is one of bravery, selflessness, and profound humanity.