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 after leaving safety to tourniquet a bleeding police officer using his shirt, risking his life to save a stranger. (Ongoing medical updates below).

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 to help run the community 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 and will be overwhelming—international and U.S. medical expenses, emergency travel, physical therapy, etc., while his parents also fend for 3 young children at home.

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

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

MEDICAL UPDATE: After an initial positive response to multiple surgeries Leibel is fighting concerning fevers and scheduled surgery is on hold until doctors figure out what's going on.

Your prayers are welcome for Yehuda Leib ben Manya.