Our 20-year-old nephew, Leibel of College Station, TX, is in an Australian ICU fighting for his life after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre. He was shot while crouching over a critically injured Australian police officer, using his own shirt as a tourniquet and risking his life to help a stranger.

Leibel is a warm, compassionate soul who brings light to everyone around him. A gifted teacher, musician, and storyteller, he traveled to Australia to serve as a rabbi’s intern and help build the Jewish community. He was on Bondi Beach that day helping run a Hanukkah event when tragedy struck.

Leibel has undergone multiple life-saving surgeries for severe abdominal and leg injuries and faces a long road of ongoing surgeries and medical treatment. While his parents are at his bedside and doctors are optimistic about his survival, the financial burden is overwhelming—international and U.S. medical expenses, emergency travel, and additional childcare support for the family’s young children at home.

Aside from GoFundMe fees, every dollar raised will go directly toward Leibel’s medical and recovery-related costs. Any amount helps, and if you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign.

Thank you for standing with Leibel and our family. We will continue to provide updates as his recovery progresses.

With gratitude,

The Lazaroff and Friedman Families