Everyday Hero
Chabad Student Begged Wounded Cop for Gun in Sydney Terror Attack: 'Give It to Me or We'll Both Die'
A 21-year-old Chabad student from Texas was shot twice after saving a wounded police officer during the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre, confronting the gunman and pleading for the officer’s weapon as terror unfolded around him.
In a harrowing account of heroism amid tragedy, Rabbi Yossi Lazaroff, a Chabad emissary in Texas, revealed how his 21-year-old son, Laibel Lazaroff, saved a policeman's life during the deadly Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach, only to be shot twice himself while desperately pleading for the officer's weapon to fend off the advancing gunman.
Laibel, a young Chabad yeshiva student from Texas, had traveled to Sydney to assist with organizing the public Hanukkah event when the shooting erupted last week, killing 15 and injuring dozens.
His father explained that he was shot twice, first in the abdomen with a 12 gauge shotgun by the terrorist, which caused tremendous damage to his internal [organs]. However, he was also shot in the inner thigh with a 9mm hollow point bullet that thankfully missed his femoral artery.
He added that Laibel witnessed the murder of event organizer Rabbi Eli Schlanger before springing into action. "Laibel saved the life of a policeman who was shot during the attack," the father wrote. "He removed his shirt, blocked the policeman's arteries, and thereby saved his life."
As the terrorist approached the incapacitated officer, Laibel begged for the gun: "He told him he's from Texas, has a gun license, knows how to use it well, and if not, 'we're both going to die.'"
Despite his bravery, Rabbi Schlanger was killed, and moments later, Liabel was hit twice, in the stomach and leg, by shotgun and rifle fire.
"As his father, I can testify to Laibel's amazing abilities," Rabbi Lazaroff added. "He is now fighting for his life."
The father expressed hope that Australia would recognize Laibel as a "national hero" soon, noting his son's long road to recovery ahead. Just a month prior, Laibel had performed movingly on piano at a memorial for other terror victims.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Laibel said: "I wish I could have done more, I tried, but I was shot."
His father called the hospitalization the "most challenging and difficult experience" of his life, thanking supporters and affirming faith in divine plans.
The Jewish community has rallied, calling for prayers for Yehuda Labiel ben Manya.