Bondi Hero Leibel Lazaroff Honored With ‘Key to the City’

By COLlive reporter

Leibel Lazaroff, the bochur who rushed toward danger to save the life of a wounded police officer during the Bondi Beach terror attack, was honored for his act of extraordinary courage and selflessness at an event in Sydney.

Leibel, the 20-year-old son of 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. Waverly Council Mayor Will Nemesh presented him with a symbolic “Key to the City” on Tuesday, in recognition of his heroism, symbolizing “the enduring impact of his courage.”

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, and ran to help critically injured police officer Scott Dyson, tearing the shirt off his back to help stem the officer’s bleeding.

During those frantic moments, Leibel was shot in the thigh and abdomen. Despite his injuries, witnesses said he continued trying to help until the situation deteriorated further.

Lazaroff was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent 11 surgeries and spent nearly three weeks in intensive care. In total, he remained hospitalized for six weeks, and was discharged on Australia’s national day of mourning. His recovery, doctors say, is still in its early stages.

At the emotional ceremony, Margaret Beazley, NSW Governor, told Leibel in front of the assembled crowd, “You’re going to take home, not the keys to the city, but the keys to our heart.”

Leibel’s father, 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,” Rabbi Lazaroff said. “It is a declaration that life, dignity, and goodness will always prevail.”

He went on to explain the deeper meaning behind the honor bestowed on his son.

“Keys symbolize trust and possibility,” he said. “The power to open doors, to protect what is precious, and to build a hopeful future. In bestowing this honor today, the city affirms confidence in the values embodied by Leibel. Courage guided by conscience, resilience anchored in faith, and a commitment to light even in difficult times.”

Speaking after the ordeal, Leibel Lazaroff said his focus since regaining consciousness has been on spreading light and goodness.

“Since I woke up, all I can think about is how we have to push forward and spread light and goodness and kindness, and do what we can as a community to come together and fight against hate and evil,” he said.

The recognition is a deeply emotional moment for Lazaroff’s parents, who at one point were unsure whether they would be bringing their son home alive.

Manya Lazaroff said that when Leibel was asked whether he would act the same way again, his answer was simple: “I would do it again tomorrow.”

“That’s what we do,” she said. “This story carries a message for people everywhere: you never know when you’ll be called upon to do something good.”

Waverley Council also announced that two other heroes from the attack, Ahmed El Ahmed and 30-year-old Israeli Gefen Bitton, both of whom confronted and wrestled one of the gunmen, will receive similar honors in the coming weeks.

At its core, the tribute highlights a stark contrast between good and evil: those willing to risk their lives to save others, and those intent on harming innocents.