Gefen is coming home
Bondi Hero Gefen Bitton Cleared for Medical Flight to Israel After Indonesian Delay
The Australian Jewish Association highlighted the issue in a social media post, expressing frustration with Indonesia and noting that the delay prompted intervention from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government.
Gefen Bitton, the Israeli national hailed as a hero for confronting a gunman during the deadly Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre last month, has been cleared to fly home to Israel for specialized medical treatment following a brief diplomatic holdup with Indonesian authorities.
The 34-year-old Bitton, who was critically wounded in the December 14, 2025, antisemitic terror attack that claimed 15 lives, had been scheduled to depart Sydney on a humanitarian medical flight organized by Jewish organizations early Thursday morning.
However, the flight was stalled when Indonesian officials withheld clearance for the aircraft to traverse their airspace, leaving Bitton in what advocates described as "limbo."
Australian officials attributed the holdup to a paperwork issue, and after diplomatic efforts, Indonesian approval was granted Thursday afternoon, allowing the flight to proceed.
Bitton, whose condition has improved but remains serious, is en route to Israel for further rehabilitation, having been visited in the hospital by Albanese earlier this week.
Bitton's heroism during the attack, where he attempted to stop one of the assailants, has been widely recognized. On January 7, he was granted permanent Australian residency while recovering, providing him access to Medicare and the right to live and work in the country.
Albanese has also announced plans for a national bravery award to honor civilians like Bitton who intervened in the tragedy, as well as a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion in response to the attack.