The Jew Project: Leibel Lazaroff, Bondi Beach Shliach and Survivor

The Jew Project, created by photographer Yisroel Teitelbaum aims to unify the Jewish people through documenting the lives of individuals. To read more on The Jew Project Click Here.

Leibel was born in 2005, and at 2 years old, his family moved to establish a Chabad Shlichus Presence at Texas A&M University.

Leibel grew up in the Lazaroff’s “Chabad On Campus,” and was involved in all programs, services and activities offered to A&M’s Jewish students.

In Spring of 2025, Rabbi Eli Schlanger ztz”l, Chabad Rabbi of Bondi Beach, Australia, contacted Leibel and offered him a Rabbinical Internship at Chabad of Bondi, to help run many of the programs and services offered to the Jews of Bondi. Leibel gladly accepted and committed to assist in many of Chabad of Bondi’s youth, teen, and young adult programs for the year.

On December 14, 2025, Leibel staffed at Chabad of Bondi’s “Chanukah by the Sea” Menorah Lighting, with approximately 1,000 attendees, both locals and tourists.

Leibel, caught in the cross fire, saw an Australian Police Officer who was shot and taking cover. Leibel rushed to his aide, took off his own shirt to apply a tourniquet to the officer, likely saving his life. In doing so, Leibel was shot twice, in his abdomen and his leg, sustaining life threatening injury.

At approximately 6:42pm, 2 IS inspired terrorists opened fire on the Menorah Lighting, murdering 15 people, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger ztz”l, and injuring 40.

Over 6 weeks in Intensive Care, including 11 surgeries, Leibel’s resilience and message of perseverance and Jewish Pride reached many millions and continues to surge. Leibel spoke to a crowd of 6500 Jewish Teens at the 2026 Cteen event, and is only just beginning.

Leibel is determined to represent a message that everything that happens is for the good, and for a purpose, and continues to inspire all who hear his story and his message.