At 14, Chaya Dadon was still very much a child. But on that fateful Sunday afternoon, she found herself having to do something which required courage, unselfishness, and strength long beyond her years.
Chaya had gone to this seaside Hanukkah party at Bondi Beach since she was small. The party had the vibrancy it was known for: music, stalls, laughter, and friendships enjoyed in a day out together at the sea. It was a place of joy, tradition, and community.
In an instant, that serene atmosphere was shattered. Loud noises rang out, and panic spread like a virus through the crowd. People started yelling for all to get down. Confused and terrified, Chaya and a friend ran for cover under a bench. Fear took hold, and they started praying, hoping the commotion that surrounded them would soon be over.
Then Chaya heard a sound she couldn’t ignore: a mother nearby, crying out desperate, for someone to help protect her children. Two women lay injured, and two small children were left exposed, frightened, and alone in the middle of unfolding danger.
In that instant, Chaya did not think about her own life. Compassion and instinct dominated reason for one split-second decision that would change lives forever.
She ran out from her hiding place toward the children and pulled them close. Chaya lay over them, using her body as a shield. Holding them close, she whispered time and again that it would be all right. Though fear enveloped her from every direction, her attention was riveted on the children’s safety.
Chaya, to appease them, loudly started praying and softly induced the children to follow her words-one too small to understand. She later said she knows those prayers gave strength, comfort, and hope during the most terrifying moments.
While shielding the children, Chaya was hit and wounded. In great pain, she kept her calm so that the children did not panic. She kept reassuring them, putting their safety and emotional well-being above her own suffering.
Eventually, help arrived. Because it was difficult to move her with the minimal amount of medical equipment on site, a surf lifesaver placed Chaya onto a board and helped transport her for the much-needed medical care she received. She later underwent surgery and is now slowly recovering. Though the road ahead is still difficult, she has begun walking short distances with support.
The tragedy cut deeper still when it was revealed that a close family member of Chaya’s lost their life in the attack, a heartbreaking loss that compounded her pain far beyond her physical injuries.
