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Channels Conversations Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories

G-d Chose Me to be Shot by a Terrorist

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G-d Chose Me to be Shot by a Terrorist

Leibel Lazaroff was shot while protecting a police officer at the Bondi massacre. Hear him and his mother share their journey so far.
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Topics: Bondi Chanukah Massacre (2025)
Bondi Chanukah Massacre (2025)
Manya Lazaroff is a co-director of the Rohr Chabad Jewish Center at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
Chana Weisberg is host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast and curator of advanced learning experiences on Chabad.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.
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R February 23, 2026

Wow so inspiring! This really gives me strength knowing that there are peapol going through so many things and are so happy Reply

Jodi Nicastro Stony Brook February 10, 2026

Chana,
Amazing interview! What a mature and wise 20 year old with such bitachon. Then to meet his mother. It’s obvious she and her husband have given Label and his siblings such a wonderful upbringing.
I hope you do a follow up with Label after Chanukah next year! Thanks! Reply

Mike Alvarado Peoria January 14, 2026

In my humble opinion with all my due respect I disagree with "G-d chose me to be shot..." for something never had happened in first place, two factors come to my mind : Sadism and Masochism honestly who can enjoy the suffering ? Not me Reply

Deanne U. S. January 15, 2026
in response to Mike Alvarado:

I agree about that. God knows what is going to happen, but He doesn’t make everything happen. If He intervened every time something bad was going to happen, no one would have to face the consequences of their wrong choices. People do evil things, but that doesn’t mean God made them do those evil things or that He wanted people to be killed or injured. This is all the result of the wrong choice made by Havah and Adam, and yes, I put Havah first rather than the usual Adam and Havah because she did it first.

Nevertheless, I’m amazed and impressed by this young man and his family. :) Reply

Esther January 23, 2026
in response to Mike Alvarado:

It's not about enjoying suffering. It's about accepting that everything happens for a reason, even that which is totally incomprehensible. Reply

Mike Alvarado Peoria January 31, 2026
in response to Mike Alvarado:

With all my respect I like to be realistic, I don't believe on "fairy tale" if happened or not long. long time ago, I'm thinking about Tehillim 91, How about the Rabbi Eli Schlanger and the others 14 victims being killed ? In my humble opinion IF I have to honor someone those would be the "Hasidei ummot Ha Olam" Righteous Among The Nations" non Jews risking their own and family lives to save a thousand of thousands of Jews people. Reply

Joseph Bowker San Antonio January 14, 2026

Hi Chana,
Beliefs over Baseball. Great interview. Great young men. A shining light to the world. Always putting G_d first. Love it.
Joseph Reply

Starr D California January 14, 2026

Thank you for these very inspirational interviews--and wow, Leibel even did his from his hospital bed! That is really something. It helps to hear how both Leibel & his mom Manya say we are chosen by G-d for even really hard things, but we have to keep trying and bring light to the world, despite what happens to us and I guess because of what happens to us, too. Even though we don't always understand why these things happen. Best wishes to Leibel & family for a good recovery & continued strength to get through it all. And great work, Chana, on bringing us so many amazing & helpful interviews in this series. Much appreciated!! Reply

Dina January 13, 2026

Leibel Lazaroff is courageous! Wishing you health and speedy recovery🙏 Reply

Elisheva January 12, 2026

What an extraordinary interview! So inspiring! Let's keep bringing light and goodness into this world - and most importantly Mashiach!!
Refoua Shelema to Leibel and the other injured Reply

Deanne New Hampshire January 10, 2026

I am continually amazed and impressed by the kindness and insight so many Jewish people have. I’m not Jewish, but since I believe in the God of Israel and the coming of Messiah, I intentionally interact and align with Jewish people, currently sometimes going to some local chabad events. This young man … wow. I’m impressed not only by his courage, kindness, and wisdom, but also by his awareness that being prepared by getting training to protect himself and others was important. It’s only too bad the officer didn’t trust him, but I completely understand the intensity of the situation and not knowing what was the best to do.

I would have liked to hear about the condition of that officer.

And what a mom. So much grace and kindness. They sound like an amazing family. Reply

Rochel Kohn Brooklyn January 8, 2026

Hi Chana. Thank you for always bringing these amazing individuals to the forefront. It’s beyond beyond our understanding why Hashem had this type of tragedy occur - bang ,on the First Night of Chanukah. With this young bochur Leibel speaking, having gone through this horrible traumatic ordeal himself, we can get some nechama knowing that, from our part we have reacted and done more than humanly imagined, by only getting stronger and more ambitious to continue spreading Goodness and Light in this cold dark world of Evil and Darkness. Hashem please TAKE NOTE!
Take this lovely courageous young man’s words as a witness, a representative of US THIS generation who have screamed from the bottom of our hearts for over 30 YEARS, We Want Moshiach Now, answer our long awaited Hope, fulfill your age old Promise and in Actuality BRING MOSHIACH NOW! You’ve got the Light Show us the Way, GEULAH - REDEEM us please. Reply

Yoni Cotlar South Florida January 7, 2026

Wow this is very inspiring! What a Kiddush Hashem!m My relatives are very close with Leibel's extended family. Reply

onesmallspark Boston January 7, 2026

Another inspiring and expert interview! Leibel and Manya are so impressive. Thank you, Chana Weisberg, for bringing another wonderful story to us - you're a treasure. Reply

Chaya Florida January 7, 2026

Blessings. What amazing examples. Keeping Yehuda Leib ben Manya & family in prayer. Reply

. January 6, 2026

Hi! This is really amazing!!! I think it would be amazing to have some other people who were at Bondi beach interviewed. (I'm not sure of the name of the girl but I heard a story of a 14 year old girl who was there and layed over a few young kids to save them because their mom was shot etc... I think it would be cool if she can be interviewed!) Thanks for these interviews! Their Amazing!! Reply

Mayaan Ontario January 6, 2026

Wow this was so inspiring! You are incredible! Such a role model. We are praying for you and wish you a speedy recovery! Reply

Nechama Dina Hendel Jerusalem January 6, 2026

So inspiring, wow!! Reply

Izzy miami January 6, 2026

wow I am amazed by the strength of Leibel, inspired me to be a better person thank you so much for posting stay strong Leibel, I pray for your healing and the healing of all others injured and traumatized may we merit the coming of moshiach speedily in our days, amen
p.s the nonchalance in some shocking statments was amazing Reply

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