Heroic Final Moments: Sydney Shooting Victim Reuven Morrison Confronted Attacker Before Tragic Death

The attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including Morrison.

New Delhi:

When two gunmen opened fire on people at a Jewish festival on Sydney's popular Bondi Beach, killing 15 of them, one individual displayed extraordinary courage. He stood firmly, pointed at the shooter, and maintained direct eye contact. Reuven Morrison, a businessman and grandfather from the Chabad community, showed no fear whatsoever; refusing to run or hide.

Video footage captured two bullets missing Morrison as he confronted the attacker. He was accompanied by another person who seemed to be trying to divert the gunman's attention away from others. Unfortunately, a subsequent shot proved fatal for Morrison.

A social media user on X shared the footage, commenting, "Faced with pure evil, he did not retreat, hide, or save himself. He confronted it head-on, buying precious moments for others at the cost of his own life. This was not recklessness. It was courage in its purest form."

Another user posted, "Another victim of the Sydney massacre was Reuven Morrison, from the Chabad community, known for his generosity and for donating his earnings to charity."

The horrific attack resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including Morrison, who was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries overnight.

Originally from the Soviet Union, Morrison discovered his Jewish heritage in Sydney. In an interview with ABC last year, he revealed he had migrated to Australia from the former Soviet Union as a teenager during the 1970s.

"We came here with the view that Australia is the safest country in the world and the Jews would not be faced with such anti-Semitism in the future, where we can bring up our kids in a safe environment," he had stated.

Chabad confirmed his death on X, writing, "Blessed is the true Judge: Reuven Morrison. Victim of Sydney Hanukkah Massacre." According to the organization, although Morrison was a longtime Melbourne resident, he "discovered his Jewish identity in Sydney".

"He remained deeply connected to Sydney, where he continued to do business. A successful businessman whose main goal was to give away his earnings to charities dear to his heart, notably Chabad of Bondi, which organised the event," they added.

On Sunday, two gunmen - identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram - opened fire on the Jewish community celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Archer Park. Sajid, who immigrated to Australia in 1998, was killed during the incident, while his Australian-born son Naveed was apprehended.