A 30-year-old man, known for his acts of generosity, where he volunteered to help other people in the tragedy that engulfed the Lifesavers at the Bondi Beach, is fighting for his life in intensive care.
Members of his family and friends have identified him as Gefen Bitton, an Israeli national who was residing and working in Australia. His friends claim that Gefen has always been a person who traversed in life with kindness, strength, and a sense of responsibility.
Prior to this event, Gefen had also spent his day exploring the Blue Mountains, which was an area of nature that gave him solace and happiness. When asked, his friends believed that nature had rejuvenated Gefen, and since the hike had left Gefen tired but very happy, he had planned to end the day by participating in the Hanukkah candles ceremony of his friend, who lived around Bondi Beach.
What had begun as a peaceful and meaningful evening rapidly escalated.
But as soon as chaos broke out in the surrounding area, Gefen and his friend decided to move away in order to reach the safety zone. No more than a couple of minutes passed before Gefen understood that the people in the surrounding area were in danger. Without any doubts, Gefen made a life-changing decision.
Friends state that Gefen did not stop to think about himself. He noticed others who were in need and ran towards the danger to help.
With another brave man, Ahmed al-Ahmed, leading to meet this danger, Gefen followed close behind. He had no protection or means of defending himself, only the urge to help and save others. It was the height of selflessness he showed as he tried to shield others from harm while getting seriously injured himself.
He was rushed to the hospital and remains in a coma and is currently admitted in ICU, where several life-threatening surgeries have been conducted on him. His condition is critical, though his family claims that they remain hopeful.
His family knows that the things that Gefen has done are not an impulsive reaction on his part, since they demonstrate that all along, Gefen had chosen to be this way and had chosen to give precedence to other people over himself.
According to their friends, Gefen is a kind and generous man with a “silent bravery” that never brought him public notice but was always there for others during times of need. “Now they are counting on everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he proceeds with his battle.”
As the community looks back at the events that transpired that evening, Gefen is being hailed as a hero – not because Gefen wanted to be one, but because he chose love over fear. Take a moment to pray for Gefen Bitton – it was a kind soul, with a courageous heart, who had the values of putting other people first exactly when it mattered most.
