Bondi's Lifeguards shared their stories with Leila McKinnon for A Current Affair - Head Lifeguard Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins praising his team. Many of them were among the first to spring into action that night. Without hesitation, and under fire, they ran to help the injured - instinctively protecting the community they serve every day. 

Bondi's Lifeguards shared their stories with Leila McKinnon for A Current Affair - Head Lifeguard Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins praising his team. Many of them were among the first to spring into action that night. Without hesitation, and under fire, they ran to help the injured - instinctively protecting the community they serve every day.&nbsp;

On December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach became the site of the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil - 15 innocent people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration.

Built from eyewitness testimony and deeply personal stories gathered in the immediate aftermath, this series documents how a peaceful Sunday evening gathering became one of the darkest days in Australia’s  history.

Through interviews recorded by reporters across the 2GB and Nine News teams, hear raw, unfiltered accounts from the scene; sharing their stories of fear and confusion, but also of remarkable acts of courage, bravery and humanity.

On December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach became the site of the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil - 15 innocent people killed when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration.
Built from eyewitness testimony and deeply personal stories gathered in the immediate aftermath, this series documents how a peaceful Sunday evening gathering became one of the darkest days in Australia&rsquo;s&nbsp; history.
Through interviews recorded by reporters across the 2GB and Nine News teams, hear raw, unfiltered accounts from the scene; sharing their stories of fear and confusion, but also of remarkable acts of courage, bravery and humanity.

Terror at Bondi

The Bravery of Bondi's Lifeguards:  Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins 

86-year-old Semyon Teplitsky was shot in the attack. His daughter Victoria says his partner used her belt as a emergency tourniquet and saved his life. While waiting for him to undergo further surgeries, Victoria shared his story with Karl and Sarah on Today. 

86-year-old Semyon Teplitsky was shot in the attack. His daughter Victoria says his partner used her belt as a emergency tourniquet and saved his life. While waiting for him to undergo further surgeries, Victoria shared his story with Karl and Sarah on Today.&nbsp;

"It's A Miracle That He's Alive"

A survivor of December 14, Vlad had been celebrating at the Hanukkah event with his eight-year-old son. Just metres from the gunmen on the footbridge, he threw himself over his child as the unimaginable unfolded around them. Speaking with 2GB’s Luke Grant, Vlad reflects on the miracle of their survival, and the gratitude he feels to be celebrating his son’s birthday.

A survivor of December 14, Vlad had been celebrating at the Hanukkah event with his eight-year-old son.&nbsp;Just metres from the gunmen on the footbridge, he threw himself over his child as the unimaginable unfolded around them.&nbsp;Speaking with 2GB&rsquo;s Luke Grant, Vlad reflects on the miracle of their survival, and the gratitude he feels to be celebrating his son&rsquo;s birthday.

Story Of Survival

Speaking on behalf of his community, and sharing stories of the victims, Executive Council of Australian Jewry Co-CEO Alex Ryvchin joined Karl and Sarah on Today. He says their fears of an attack like this have long been ignored.

Speaking on behalf of his community, and sharing stories of the victims, Executive Council of Australian Jewry Co-CEO Alex Ryvchin joined Karl and Sarah on Today. He says their fears of an attack like this have long been ignored.

The Bravery of Bondi's Lifeguards: Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins

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