A survivor of the Bondi Beach massacre has died from complications related to injuries sustained in the attack, just weeks before its first anniversary.
Eva Geller, a 90-year-old great-grandmother, was shot during the terrorist attack in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on December 14 last year.
The Holocaust survivor, who was born in Hungary, endured repeated and lengthy hospital stays after suffering serious injuries, including shrapnel lodged in her leg.
Despite her condition, Ms Geller was able to attend the synagogue for the High Holy Days. She was later admitted to hospital again after developing an infection.
Ms Geller suffered a stroke while being treated at Prince of Wales Hospital and died on Thursday night, bringing the massacre’s death toll to 16.
“Ever since being shot in the Bondi attack, she had been in and out of hospital, always wanting to come home,” Rabbi Aron Moss of Nefesh Synagogue told News 24.
“She was told she would never walk again but, miraculously and through incredible determination, she did walk again.
“She escaped the Holocaust as a child, eventually made her way to Australia and built a beautiful family.”
Great-grandmother Eva Geller, 90, has died almost 11 months after the Bondi terrorist attack
The death toll from the Bondi terrorist attack has risen to 16 after Ms Geller died in hospital on Thursday night
Alleged shooter Naveed Akram on the bridge at Bondi that evening
Ms Geller’s funeral will take place at Chevra Kadisha Memorial Hall in Woollahra on Monday.
Her death makes Ms Geller the oldest victim of the terror attack. She had previously been survived in that distinction by fellow Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 87.
The youngest victim was 10-year-old schoolgirl Matilda, who would have turned 11 on Thursday.
NSW Police said it was awaiting further advice and continuing to work with the coroner’s office.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said he was devastated by Ms Geller’s death.
“Eva Geller arrived at that beach healthy and living independently. She spent much of the following year in a hospital bed,” he told the Daily Mail in a statement.
“I call on the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier to ensure Eva Geller’s name is read alongside the 15 other victims at every commemoration on December 14, and that the toll of this massacre is counted in full, including every life it claims in the months that follow.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns led tributes to Ms Geller.
The Bondi Beach terrorist attack was the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which 35 people were killed
“My thoughts are with Eva’s family and the Jewish community as they face another painful loss,” Mr Minns said in a statement.
“Almost a year on, we are still living with the pain and aftershock of that evil act.
“We will never forget Eva or any victim whose life was changed forever.”
Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Archer Park near Bondi Beach on December 14 last year.
Sajid was shot dead by police during the alleged attack, while his son Naveed faces 59 charges, including terrorism offences and multiple counts of murder.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion heard evidence from more than 340 witnesses earlier this year.
Commissioner and former High Court Justice Virginia Bell is expected to deliver her findings next month.
The alleged attack was Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, in which 35 people were killed.