Dashcam Footage Captures Moment of Courage
Newly released dashcam footage from the Bondi Beach terror attack has brought global attention to one of the most powerful human stories to emerge from the tragedy: that of Boris and Sofia Gurman. The couple, identified by family and community sources as two of the first victims of Sunday’s mass shooting, are seen in the video confronting one of the gunmen as he began his deadly assault on people attending a Hanukkah celebration.
The footage, initially shared on social media platforms before spreading worldwide, shows the scene on Campbell Parade as gunmen — later identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram — pulled up near Archer Park with an Islamic State flag draped over their vehicle. In that split-second of unfolding terror, Boris, 69, and Sofia, 61, leapt into action, attempting to stop the attacker before shots rang out across the crowd.
Who Were Boris and Sofia Gurman?
Boris and Sofia Gurman were longtime residents of Bondi, known in their community as kind-hearted, generous citizens devoted to family and neighbourly life. Married for 34 years and approaching their 35th anniversary, they had built deep roots in the seaside suburb. Boris, a retired mechanic, was remembered for his quiet strength and willingness to help anyone in need. Sofia worked with Australia Post, cherished by her colleagues and community for her warmth and dedication.
Their family shared a statement expressing both profound grief and immense pride: “While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were — people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”
The Dashcam Moment: Confronting a Gunman
In the grainy dashcam footage, Boris is seen wearing a distinctive purple shirt as he and Sofia confront Sajid Akram immediately after the attackers arrived. The video shows Boris physically wrestling with the gunman, trying to wrest the firearm from him, with Sofia by his side in the struggle — an act of courage that lasted mere seconds but halted the attacker’s momentum.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and surreal: an ordinary street transformed into a battleground moments before the terror unfolded. Boris and Sofia’s intervention occurred at the instant the first shots were fired — a moment when many around them were still processing what was happening.
Tragedy Amid Heroism
Despite their bold efforts, both Boris and Sofia were fatally shot during the confrontation. Later drone and vehicle footage showed them lying motionless on the footpath near the attackers’ car, having given their lives attempting to protect others nearby. Their deaths were among the 15 confirmed at the scene, including children, elders, and other civilians who confronted the gunmen.
The tragedy has cast a spotlight on the human cost of terror, reminding observers that amid horror, ordinary people can act with extraordinary bravery. Among other civilians who intervened was Ahmed al-Ahmed, who also fought the assailants and remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Community, Mourning, and Legacy
News of the Gurmans’ sacrifice has rapidly resonated across Australia and beyond, drawing attention to both individual heroism and the broader impact of the Bondi attack on diverse communities. Local tributes have highlighted the couple’s deep engagement with their neighbourhood — from Boris helping neighbours with car troubles to Sofia’s warm presence among her Australia Post colleagues.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in their memory has begun aiding their son, in his 30s, who survives them and has paid tribute to his parents with simple, poignant gestures on social media. The wider Jewish and Australian public have rallied around the family, honouring Boris and Sofia as symbols of selflessness in the face of unspeakable violence.
Reflections on Courage and Loss
In a broader sense, the Gurmans’ actions — and the dashcam footage capturing them — have become part of the emerging narrative of the Bondi tragedy: one not defined solely by violence, but also by individuals who chose confrontation over retreat, compassion over fear.
As the investigation continues and communities continue to mourn, the image of Boris and Sofia confronting danger stands as a testament to their character — a final act of bravery that, for the world to see, turned ordinary citizens into lasting symbols of human courage.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
