Texas Rabbi Survives Mass Shooting, Shares Hope Through Song

When gunfire erupted at Bondi Beach in Sydney last December, Leibel Lazaroff didn't think about his own safety. The 20-year-old rabbinic intern from Texas rushed to help wounded police officer Scott Dyson, using his own shirt as a tourniquet before requesting the officer's weapon.

Moments later, Lazaroff was shot twice in the chest, abdomen, and leg. The attack killed 15 people and wounded more than 40, including his mentor Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

"I acted on instinct without weighing the possible personal consequences," Lazaroff said. When he later met Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the governor told him, "It's because you're a Texan."

After multiple surgeries and weeks in intensive care, Lazaroff made a full physical recovery. But the experience gave him something deeper: a mission to share hope with Jewish communities worldwide.

Now he travels from city to city, combining storytelling with music to illustrate resilience in the face of darkness. His presentation includes original songs, one of which he performed at the Sydney Opera House after leaving the hospital. Hospital staff even brought a portable keyboard to his ICU room so he could play during recovery.

"I feel a responsibility to share my story because it's impacting lives," Lazaroff said. "The reason I get energy for every single event is seeing the impact it has on people and meeting proud, strong Jews who face discrimination and stand up for themselves."

Why This Inspires

Batya Rosenblum of Chabad of the South Hills brought Lazaroff to Pittsburgh for an event one week after the city's synagogue shooting commemoration. She said the timing matters.

"Whether it's Oct. 27, Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack, or the Bondi Beach shooting, there are stories of faith and strength to be found," Rosenblum said. She described Lazaroff's presentation as taking audiences on a journey through music, visuals, and personal testimony that showcases his connection to faith even through pain.

Lazaroff sees his visible absence of scars as part of his purpose. Without physical reminders of his injuries, he can focus his audiences on the internal strength that carried him through. "Everyone showing up and connecting in unity is one of the greatest possible Jewish answers to something that happened that was extremely dark," he said.

His message centers on moving forward together as a community. "We're all connected. We're all brothers and sisters," Lazaroff said. "It's an important way of showing the strength of the Jewish community during such a sensitive time."

One young man's split-second decision to help others became a testimony of courage that now inspires communities nationwide.