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Unlocked Van Credited With Saving Elderly Couple in Bondi Hanukkah Shooting

The couple say a stranger’s open vehicle gave them cover when they had nowhere else to hide.

Overview

  • Benyomin and Raizel Simons said they moved between parked vehicles before climbing into an unlocked van as gunfire erupted near the Bondi Hanukkah event.
  • They described the van, owned by Josh Pulford, as their “Hanukkah miracle” after realizing other nearby vehicles were locked.
  • Benyomin Simons recalled looking up to see the shooter directly in line with the van as they hid and prayed.
  • Pulford said he fled toward the surf club when shots began, later returning to find the couple, urging them to stay put and then helping escort them from the scene.
  • After their daughter identified Pulford from news coverage, the Simons returned to thank him, an emotional meeting they found therapeutic, and both have begun trauma counseling.