Holocaust Survivor Eva Geller Dies at 90 After 2025 Hanukkah Massacre

Eva Geller, a Romanian-born survivor of both the Holocaust and the 2025 Hanukkah massacre in Sydney, has passed away at 90. Her life, marked by resilience and strength, came to an end as she faced complications following her injuries sustained during the tragic event. Confirmed reports indicate that Geller, who had been described as strong and healthy prior to the attack, was initially told she might never walk again after being shot. However, she defied expectations and regained the ability to walk with a cane.

The 2025 Hanukkah massacre, which took place on December 14th, left a profound impact on Geller and the broader community. According to several outlets, the attack resulted in 15 deaths and approximately 40 injuries, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87 years old. Two gunmen, inspired by the Islamic State group, carried out the assault, with one of them, Sajid Akram, losing his life at the scene. The other gunman, Naveed Akram, faces serious charges including 15 counts of murder, 43 counts of attempted murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act.

Geller’s journey from Romania to becoming a notable figure in Sydney’s Jewish community was remarkable. Born in Romania, she endured the horrors of the Holocaust and went on to live a full life in Australia. Her passing is mourned not just for the loss of a beloved member of the community, but also for the potential impact on the legal proceedings surrounding the 2025 massacre. The state coroner is set to investigate Geller’s death to determine if it affects the charges against the surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, who is scheduled to appear in court on February 24th.

What we know

• Eva Geller passed away at the age of 90. ¹²³
• She survived the Holocaust. ¹²³
• She was injured in the 2025 Hanukkah massacre in Sydney. ¹²³
• The massacre resulted in 15 deaths and approximately 40 injuries. ²
• Two gunmen, inspired by the Islamic State group, carried out the attack. ²
• One gunman, Sajid Akram, was killed by police at the scene. ²
• The other gunman, Naveed Akram, is charged with 15 counts of murder, 43 counts of attempted murder, and one count of committing a terrorist act. ²
• Geller was born in Romania. ¹³
• The attack was inspired by ISIS. ¹³
• Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old. ²
• Geller was described as strong and healthy before the attack, but faced complications post-injury. ²
• Geller was initially told she would never walk again after being shot, but regained the ability to walk with a cane. ²
• The state coroner will investigate Geller's death to determine if it affects the charges against the surviving gunman. ²
• The surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, is set to appear in court on February 24th. ²